PREVIEW - Seafarer Silk Blend Tops Undyed
PREVIEW - Seafarer Silk Blend Tops Undyed
PREVIEW - Seafarer Silk Blend Tops Undyed
PREVIEW - Seafarer Silk Blend Tops Undyed
90% British Wool (Exmoor Blueface, Bluefaced Leicester, Devon Closewool and Romney), 10% Mulberry Silk (non-superwash)
Preview our new Seafarer Silk Blend, a brand new range launching with 25 shades in September 2025, with the two undyed shades.
The lure of the sea has always drawn Devonians—many a local has set sail from our shores in search of fame and fortune on the high seas. Seafarers throughout the ages have told of mysterious beasts and angry deities that have captured our imagination and lodged in our collective psyche. Our newest range pays homage to all those gazing into the waves and dreaming of adventure.
With Seafarer, we set out to create a yarn with superb depth of tone and shine, reminiscent of sunlight glistening on breaking waves. We’ve achieved this by blending trusty, durable Devonian wool with luxurious Silk, creating a range equally suited to ethereal accessories and hardwearing garments.
This preview currently consists of the two undyed shades of tops. The full range will be available in Autumn 2025. Mill Members already have access to the Seafarer Tops!
Specifications
Specifications
Blend: 90% British Wool (Exmoor Blueface, Bluefaced Leicester, Devon Closewool and Romney), 10% Mulberry Silk (non-superwash)
Colour Blending: We start with solid coloured tops (aligned fibre) and blend them together using precise recipes to create our nuanced shades.
The entire range is created from a handful of base colours, making it easy to find harmonious colour combos for colourwork projects.
Fibre Characteristics
Fibre Characteristics
Exmoor Blueface: This is our most local sheep and can be seen dotted across the Moorland where we live. A crossbreed of the Exmoor Horn (our local hill sheep) and the distinguished Bluefaced Leicester (the softest British sheep breed), the Exmoor Blueface sheep produces a beautifully soft and springy fibre which is excellent in just about any blend. Micron: 31; Average Staple Length: 9cm/3.5”
Bluefaced Leicester: This is one of the most popular British breeds– and rightly so! This fibre has a wonderful balance of drape and durability, with just a little woolly bounce. Micron:28; Average Staple Length: 9cm/3.5”
Devon Closewool: Originates from a cross of the Devon Longwool and the Exmoor Horn. The fibre is dense and springy with a sturdy handle. This fibre is ideal for adding a bit of texture and durability. Micron:34; Average Staple Length: 7.5cm/3”
Romney: This breed has been farmed since the 13th century and originates from the Romney Marsh area of Kent. Their fibre is fine and semi-lustrous with good drape and a little bounce, perfect for adding a little sheen. Micron: 34; Average Staple Length: 10cm/4”
Mulberry Silk: This fibre is produced by the Bombyx silk moth. It has the lowest micron count of any natural fibre making it incredibly soft and extremely lustrous. When added to a blend it gives the fibre a phenomenal drape, durability and shine. Micron: 14; Average Staple Length: 9cm/3.5”
Wool Blend
Wool Blend
This base is a Traceable Wool Blend with either alpaca, nylon or silk added. The UK portion of this fibre purchased from the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) uses their new traceability scheme meaning that all the wool is fully traceable back to the exact farm it came from. We know which farmer, in which area, contributed to every bale of wool we process, including how many sheep produced their share.
However, our climate here in the UK is not suited to Merino and Corriedale sheep. We make sure to source ours from the Falklands in order to ensure that the animals have been treated with the utmost care and are free from harmful mulesing.
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Local Fibre
Our mill is situated in the heart of North Devon. As much as possible we use the fibre which is reared and sheared on this land, utilising the unique properties of each breed in our yarn and tops.
Unique Yarn & Tops
The hours of work and skill that go into producing one of our yarn and tops ranges is reflected in the dedication of a knitter, spinner or crocheter during the intricate journey from beginning to finished garment – both are a harmony of tradition and creativity.
Vintage Machines
Our Mill is one of only a handful of small-scale worsted spinning mills still operating in the UK. Many of our vintage machines were rescued from old, traditional mills before their closure. Keeping them going is a labour of love, but we reckon that the resulting woolly treats are well worth it!
10% Off with Mill Membership
Our Mill Members receive access to oodles of limited edition specials, early access to new products, a lifetime 10% discount and our heart felt thanks for helping us do what we love every day!