Monday 3 November 2014

wovember



We're already two days into Wovember, an initiative set up by a group of wonderful wool enthusiasts from native UK. What better way to ease slowly into the dew drenched, misty mornings of November with a whole month dedicated to celebrating the wonder of wool in all it's shapes and forms? Who knows, it might be snowing down here in the village by the weekend!

This next month, I'll be wearing as much pure wool as possible as a way of celebrating the unique qualities of wool as a renewable, natural resource. I'll also be sharing a variety of stories, from the personal to the (possibly!) political, exploring different aspects of wool where I am. Not only from here in my little valley in the Pyrenees, but also further afield in some of the corners of France I've visited this year. Telling tales from yesteryear and today of growing, harvesting, processing and promoting wool, from farm to yarn as it were. 

And finally, I'll be endeavouring to complete two woolly challenges within the next thirty days, as part of the WAL (wool-along). I'm hoping to stretch my fledgling dressmaking skills by attempting to sew my first garment in 100% woollen cloth. And I've also set myself a spinning challenge - to spin as many metres of 2 ply sports weight yarn as possible from a recently shorn local fleece before the month is out.


If you're taking part in Wovemeber, and/or have set yourself a woolly challenge, I'd love to hear about it - please share in the comments below. I'd also love to hear your own personal stories of wool where you are, feel free to drop me a line! 

2 comments:

  1. What a great project! Since I started dyeing my own yarn, I've become more interested in the whole process of fiber, from sheep to yarn. One of my goals for the coming year is to find out more about local fiber (wool and alpaca) and try to source some for my natural dyeing and even spinning. Maybe even visit some of the local farms to see if raising sheep is something I really want to do.

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    1. This sounds like a great project for the new year, I'll be really interested to see how you get on and also to see what the wool is like where you are!
      I'm hoping to try my hand at more natural dyeing - the little I have done has been so incredibly satisfying. Plus, I'm always super inspired when I see the glorious colours that you produce from your dye pot! xx

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