The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: jaykay on November 13, 2012, 09:51:45 am

Title: Maker of Herdwick cloth?
Post by: jaykay on November 13, 2012, 09:51:45 am

Dear all,
Does anyone know of a maker of cloth out of Herdwick wool?
There used to be someone in Yorkshire but it seems they've gone out of production.

I have a young friend who is studying a textiles and design degree. For her final project she wants to make a coat out of locally produced cloth, slate buttons etc.

But having thought she'd located a supplier of the Herdwick cloth, she finds he won't sell any because now the producer has stopped producing. So she's looking for another source.

If not, any other locally produced cloth in Cumbria?

Title: Re: Maker of Herdwick cloth?
Post by: Lesley Silvester on November 13, 2012, 04:04:08 pm

Hope she finds something.

Title: Re: Maker of Herdwick cloth?
Post by: Ina on November 13, 2012, 04:37:42 pm

Make your own? I know somebody up here who made her very own coat... Clipped her own sheep, spun the wool, wove the cloth and made the coat. Might take too long for your friend...

Title: Re: Maker of Herdwick cloth?
Post by: Dogwalker on November 13, 2012, 05:06:22 pm

Felting would be quicker and easier, make a big sheet from the fleece and cut the pattern pieces as usual.

Title: Re: Maker of Herdwick cloth?
Post by: jaykay on November 13, 2012, 05:18:17 pm

She's more into the construction of the garment than creating the cloth.

Cumbrian Wools make an upholstery cloth, so I've suggested she contact them and see if they can do a tighter weave.

Or there are weavers in our Guild, whom I'm sure would make her some but probably not at a cost a student can afford (mind you, her dad is pretty well off and since I work with him, I've emailed and suggested that to him  ;))