Marie Wallin and her British Breeds Wool

It has been the most amazing weather for the past week and I have enjoyed knitting in the garden ignoring all the other tasks I really should have been doing. 

During lockdown, aside from my family, I probably spent most of my time in the company of 'Fruity Knitting' with its lovely hosts, Andrew and Andrea. I have enjoyed slowly working my way through the series ( I am now up to Episode 75) whilst sitting knitting and doing various tasks in my studio. I have mentioned their podcasts in earlier newsletters and I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to their interviews with designers from all over the world, watching their projects unfold, totally empathising with Andrea as she rips out knitting to ensure perfection and watching Andrew grow in confidence as a knitter himself.  

It was only by accident that I watched a more recent episode over Easter to discover that Andrew had been diagnosed with a brain tumour last October. Even worse news followed this week when, along with other patreons, I received the devastating email from Andrea informing us that Andrew had died. Even though I have never met the family, I was incredibly upset for Andrea and her daughter, Madeleine. As a couple, Andrew and Andrea had a wonderful, natural rapport together which came across so well in their podcast. Apparently, Andrew wants Andrea to continue 'Fruity Knitting' in the future but, whatever she decides, it would be great to be able to offer support at such a difficult time.  If anyone else has enjoyed watching the series then this might be a good time to subscribe to the podcast as a patreon.

One of Andrea's favourite designers is Marie Wallin and I am delighted to say that I have now received all twenty colours of Marie's fabulous British Breeds yarn. Marie has enjoyed a thirty year career in knitwear design and is probably remembered by many of us as the Head Designer at Rowan. She has been an independent designer now for over 5 years and it has been a natural progression to create her own branded yarns. She is passionate about natural fibres and, like Erika Knight, is particularly keen to support the British wool industry. As knitters, we can help support communities through the yarn we purchase and so I am thrilled to be adding her yarn to my stock.

British Breeds took 2 years to develop into the beautiful, soft, bouncy 4 ply yarn that it is today. It is now available in a palette of 20 colours which work beautifully together in Fair Isle designs or as stand alone colours. Each 25g ball has been worsted spun by John Arbon in Devon and is made from 4 different breeds of British sheep, each of which gives the yarn its special characteristic:

Once spun, the yarn is sent to Edward Hill's in Bradford (who also spun and balled our own, The Knitter's Yarn No.1 and No.2 lambswool)  where it is steam relaxed and balled into 25g balls. The steam finishing opens up the yarn to create the full, light appearance and handle. 

Marie's pattern collection  'Gentle' uses her British Breeds wool and has a wonderful selection of garments. Inspired by traditional Fair Isle patterns and Moorish designs there is something for everyone. The book is an incentive and inspiration to continue knitting throughout the summer evenings to ensure that projects will be ready to be worn come Autumn.