Raw fleeces are processed by hand in the Tin Shed. No harsh scouring. Design is traditional, classic. Colours are natural.

Each piece is an heirloom. Each piece has a provenance.

Currently based in Helensville, northwest of Auckland, Fiona sources locally from farmers. A fresh fleece from a happily-raised lawn-mower is often an inspiration. The quality shows in the softness of the fleece.

Equally, a specialty breeder with a good history of raising healthy stock will consistently provide quality wool.

Fleeces are mostly spun worsted and often “in the grease”. This saves the elaborate process of waiting for a washed fleece to dry AND saves water. This technique was perfected while living with tank-supply water.

Woolly-spun is a three-step process where the fleece is used in small amounts and IS washed, then combed, then rolled and then spun with the fibres running at 45 degrees to the bobbin and the twist-point held very lightly. This is used for ultra-fine yarns where softness and loft is being sought.

Lace has become my staple knit technique though textured work in Aran and Ganseys calls to me often.

Weaving has become a focus and a current commission is requiring me to warp up and get designing.

A future plan is to surrender to a large floor loom.

Why wool?….it’s readily available as a raw product. Growers are always keen to see it presented in its best light and buyers like to know the history from animal to item. Wool does need care when laundering, but will respond to that care by lasting and staying supple when synthetics decay into our environment….besides, there is nothing quite so intoxicating as the smell of new fleeces on the floor of a classic woolshed in summer.

Where possible, wool is sourced from sustainable growers. Organic wool in NZ is usually sourced from a geographical line south of Taupo. Temperatures and latitude south of Taupo provide a climate with a reliable frost. The cold snap of a frost is nature’s pest-control.