Tour De Fleece Special - Wiggins
Tour De Fleece Special - Wiggins
Tour De Fleece Special - Wiggins
Tour De Fleece Special - Wiggins
49% Corriedale, 16.5% Devon Closewool, 16.5% Romney, 8% Exmoor Blueface, 10% Silk (non-superwash)
Epic highs, massive challenges, team spirit with a dash of competition… The Tour de Fleece has more than a few things in common with it’s cycling namesake, and this year, we’re here for the ride! If you’ve never taken part in the Tour de Fleece before, it’s a splendid online spinning event, that follows alongside the Tour de France. As the organisers of this fibre-filled adventure say, there are only three rules in the Tour de Fleece, 1 – Challenge Yourself. 2 – Spin. 3 – Have fun! If only every sporting event could involve the fibre arts, eh?!
If you are keen to get in the saddle and spin along with those spandex-clad athletes, then we have created three special tops, all inspired by legends of British Cycling. Here we have ‘Wiggins’, a delicious dark teal with flashes of deep blue and with a silvery shimmer of silk!
Corriedale, Exmoor Blueface, and Romney combine to make a deliciously soft blend, but the addition of Devon Closewool adds character and bounce. That stunning 10% silk enhances the colour of the blend beautifully, and creates a softness and sheen that is just unbeatable!
Specifications
Specifications
Blend: 49% Corriedale, 16.5% Devon Closewool, 16.5% Romney, 8% Exmoor Blueface, 10% 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
Falklands Corriedale: This fibre has a good long staple length, is smooth with a hint of lustre and oodles of bounce. The breed is derived from a cross of the Merino sheep and Lincoln Longwool. Micron: 29; Average Staple Length: 12.5cm/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”
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”
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”
British Wool Blend
British Wool Blend
This base is a Traceable Wool Blend. 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!