Sharing enthsiasm for all things woollen.
We grow it, sew it, spin, weave and dye it, knit, crochet and felt it, stuff, hook and tuft with it…see for yourself, either by visiting our shop in Caldbeck, Cumbria, or browsing our online shop.
I have been a member of the Wool Clip cooperative in Caldbeck since August 2024. I had been aware of their fantastic work in showcasing the properties of wool for many years as I had attended Woolfest in Cockermouth and discovered the talents of Jean Wildish (https://www.woolclip.com/about-us/members/jean-wildish) who, amongst other things dyes Bluefaced Leicester in gorgeous colours which I have used in my pictures.
I joined the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 2018 after seeing their stand at Woolfest. When I met Alice Underwood, a member of the Cumbrian Support group and a breeder of Manx Loaghton sheep (https://www.woolclip.com/about-us/members/alice-underwood), she invited me to become member of the Cumbria Support Group of the RBST as well .
Here is a a bit about the Woolclip from the website (https://www.woolclip.com):
The Wool Clip was established as a co-operative in 2001, aiming to add value to British wool and to celebrate the very best of this sustainable natural fibre. Our membership has changed over the years but we maintain that same focus, using our skills and creativity to make the most of all things wool.
Several members of The Wool Clip co-operative keep sheep. Some are Cumbrian fell breeds, others rare or other British native breeds. Home could be a traditional Cumbrian hill farm or a village smallholding. Some members work from fleece to yarn, spinning and dyeing the wool for a range of uses, while others use wool, fibre and fabric to create exclusive and unique wool crafted items.
Some of us do all of this and more!
Working as a co-operative brings challenges but also great benefits. None of us individually could afford to run a retail outlet — together, we can. None of us individually would have the contacts and networks to campaign for an appreciation of the source and value of wool through events and exhibitions — together, we can.
We’ve also found, over the years, that working within a co-operative gives us ideas and inspiration, sources of materials that we might not have expected and the support of working together rather than alone.
To see more about other members of the Woolclip, see : https://www.woolclip.com/about-us/members
The Woolcip has an online shop, with a small selection of what is in the physical shop (https://www.woolclip.com/shop).
Comments