Materials
Materials & Care
Grazing on rugged heathered hills, peaty grounds, and high cliffs, braced against island winds, Shetland sheep grow a wool fibre that is natural and renewable, adapted to the wild conditions of Shetland. The hardy fleece these sheep produce is a reflection of the environment - renowned for warmth, fineness, and strength.
Wool is a naturally breathable and odour-repellant fibre, needing to be washed very infrequently. Often, hanging your garment outside on a dry day will leave it feeling refreshed. You can spot clean affected areas with lukewarm water and a very small amount of wool-friendly detergent, wash and rinse the area, without scrubbing.
To wash your knitwear, whilst preserving the stitch quality, gently hand wash in lukewarm water using a wool-friendly detergent. Let it soak for 10 minutes, carefully swishing and cleaning any soiled areas. Rinse with clean, cool water and roll in a dry towel to remove the excess water. Lay it flat to dry on a towel or drying rack, easing the garment into shape.
It is important not to wring or twist wool when it is wet, or use overly hot water. Agitation and hot water can cause the fibres to grip onto each other, felting the fabric.
To store, it is better to fold rather than hang your knitwear, as this could lead to stretching. If possible, store with some dried lavender or cedarwood, to help repel moths. Air your garments in periods of less use. All natural fibres will form pills to some degree, and they can be removed if desired with a small pair of scissors or gently by hand.
As a small business centred around slow fashion, my aim is to have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.
Every order is knitted from scratch by me, and I aim to produce as little waste as possible. I save offcuts to use later, and package in recycled and recyclable material. My way of working goes beyond the now, every piece I make is 100% wool, so whatever their fate in years to come, they will return to the ground without leaving synthetic fibres.
As with most things in life, there is always improvement to be made. As I grow as a business and learn more about sustainability and my impact, I will always try to implement changes as best I can in how I produce my knitwear with the least negative impact.