Spinning time

Each year the sheep in my flock are sheared.

In addition to my fleece I buy from other Castlemilk Moorit shepherds with pedigree flocks.

The fleece is then sorted by hand to pick out a year of debris and dirt accumulated by the sheep in their grazing. It’s a painstaking task, best shared.

Excitement builds as the time approaches to deliver my fleece to the mill where it is blended with native Shetland fleece, to increase the volume.

It is a process of trial - but no error. Every yarn spun will have a use. But it must be said that I am learning on the job.

From the beginning I have split my ‘clip’ (the year’s fleece delivery) between yarn for knitting/crochet and yarn for weaving.

I work with the excellent and exceptionally flexible Border Mill, in Duns, Scotland. They clean, spin and hand-dye the yarn for me.

From the get-go I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the professional hand weaver, Janis Embleton. Her amazing patience and skill has seen her interpret my designs, to create in that first year a stripped herringbone upholstery fabric. Since used to breathe life back into antique chairs and stools.

In Year 2 I created the Sufu design, based on a Kenyan kikoy, reimagined in glorious Castlemilk wool and the lovely Chocflock signature colours. Worked into the perfect glamping blanket - part cover, part wrap - pure luxury.

Year 3 saw the arrival of the Huck shawl, a weave featuring the ‘Huck’ woven panel inlaid between bands of Scottish plaid - once more in the signature Chocflock palette.

Now we are in Year 4 and I am heading in a new direction.

Samples are being spun, palettes are changing and new options are being explored.

Watch this space….