Mail Order Update (December 2000)

Worldwide wool prices continue to be depressed (aren't we all?!) and with a farm our size we are (officially speaking) still no longer viable since there's no real meat trade as yet in the Falklands. However we are hanging on in there and now relying on our mail order business to give us a slightly better income for some at least of our wool - which is, after all, a quality fibre. It's truly 'green' too (see Green Sheep for more information).

We began this business by offering unique Mini-Bales holding three to four selected fleeces (in a range of grades) for handspinning, and received a delighted response from those who bought them. Last year we offered this format again but at a standardised weight to simplify things (25 pounds nett) together with the smaller WoolSacks (3 pounds nett) - the latter were a great hit.

Sadly however we have had to discontinue the greasy fleece packs. We just haven't got the extra help needed at shearing time to enable us to select and doubleskirt fleeces, and we aren't prepared to send anything less than our best to customers. We realise that this will disappoint you greasy fleece addicts, but do try our top and you will be pleasantly surprised. It's not tightly compacted, it takes dye wonderfully and is a real bargain. No waste, no contamination, just pure pleasure. You can card it, dye it, blend it, spin it, wet-felt it, needle-felt it...

Fine (23 micron) white top is currently available in 1 kg (2.2#) TopSacks. Spinnable samples are available too, see Order Form for prices. Delivery is still slow - 8 to 12 weeks - for orders due to distance and the complex journey to virtually all destinations. Prices include delivery anywhere in the world. Enquire direct for bulk prices on 10 kg (22#) bumps to sell on or share with a group.

Naturally coloured top will be available too, in grey (28 micron) and a dark brown/black blend (27 micron) in January 2001, from our own mixed-breed coloured flock, and we hope to have a medium grade white top of about 27 micron processed from our B wool later the same year. We also hope to offer half-felt from this grade of wool. Subscribe to our newsletter to be kept informed, and check out the Top page for more information.

Yarns

For those who can't spin their own requirements for knitting or weaving, or haven't the time or inclination to do so, we offer our own millspun yarns. These were produced in Yorkshire by a family mill which has done work for us in the past. For fuller details of what's currently available, and to obtain samples, please check out the Yarns page and Order Form.

These yarns are great to knit, crochet, or use for weft... and those who love to dye their own shades will find the white yarn takes colour superbly. Good stocks of the natural unbleached white are still available, but the natural brown/grey shade is running out fast...

We aren't able to offer readymade garments, sorry. We had hoped to do so, but it is not possible at present. If this situation changes we will let you know via our email newsletter, so do please subscribe if interested.

Other Products

We have other wool products in the pipeline, so do sub to our email newsletter to keep up to date. Basic craft kits, design leaflets, all kinds of things... Possibly handspun yarns IF there is time.

The Green Gallery

Our Gallery page is slowly growing - it was created to show off items made from our wool in whatever form it was originally purchased (including the processing methods, if it was handspun or dyed or both) so please feel free to submit any pictures either as hard photos for scanning or email files, and we will gladly display them. Handspun, woven, crochet, hand knitted, machine knitted, dyed skeins... The more the merrier! Check back regularly to see what's been produced - and please let us show off your work too.

Pictures may be sent snailmail or via email (see Contact Us for address) - but don't forget to provide your name, and details of the item please. Don't be shy!