YOUR 'MOCHA' BOBBLE HAT

It’s really important to me, that when you buy one of my products you feel 100% confident about its provenance. By being totally transparent on every single stage of production, I hope to connect you closely with what you’ve bought and encourage us all to ask more questions about the production journey for everything we buy.

WHAT YARN WAS USED?

MOCHA YARN

Created from my 2017 wool clip from the Castlemilk Moorit sheep in my flock
Sheared on the 2nd July 2017 by Jason Cox of Gloucestershire Shearers whilst grazing a meadow in Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
Delivered to the Natural Fibre Company on the 1st February 2018
Woollen spun into a 2-ply chunky yarn
Undyed
Returned back to me on the 14th June 2018

ECRU YARN

Created using the 2018, 2019 and 2020 wool clips from the Portland sheep in my flock
2018 wool clip: Sheared on the 14th July by Jason Cox of Gloucestershire Shearers whilst grazing at a conservation site in Frampton Mansell, Gloucestershire.
2019 wool clip: Sheared on the 7th July by Jason Cox of Gloucestershire Shearers whilst grazing at my home near Cirencester.
2020 wool clip: Sheared on the 31st May by Jason Cox of Gloucestershire Shearers whilst grazing at the Bruern Estate in the Cotswolds.
Delivered to the Natural Fibre Company on the 23rd December 2020
Woollen spun into a 3-ply chunky yarn
Undyed
Returned back to me on the 12th March 2021

DOES THIS PRODUCT HAVE ANY CERTIFICATIONS?

The Bobble Hat in Mocha is part of my undyed collection, which is accredited by South West England Fibreshed. Find out more about what Fibreshed accreditation means for regional, sustainable and environmentally conscious textile production here: www.southwestenglandfibreshed.co.uk

HOW WAS YOUR WOOLLEN MADE?

Techniques

I knit my bobble hats on my hand-powered knitting machine and ribber bed. It is made in one complete piece so there is no wastage from off-cuts. I put my design onto a punchcard which the knitting machine can read, to help me replicate the repeat pattern in the knitting. The hat is hand sewn together and I have a small tool to help me create my big fluffy pom-poms.

Time

It takes me at least 2 hours to make one of my bobble hats.

HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR WOOLLEN?

Airing is caring

Because of its odour, stain and crease-resistant properties wool can practically take care of itself. The best way to keep your knitwear fresh is to let it's natural properties do the work. Air and rest for 24 hours between wears and only wash when it's really necessary.

When it really is time to wash

Hand wash is the safest option. Just fill a clean sink/bath (depending on the size of the garment) with cold water and soak the garment for 15 minutes. After soaking rinse the garment with clean water once or twice to remove any soap from the fabric. You can then spin the water out in the machine on a slow 600 spin.
You can wash in a washing machine on a wool wash at 30 degrees and a slow spin at 600 - individual machine wool wash settings vary so check; as the yarn is not superwash it will felt if it is agitated and heated.
Using a non biological, bleach free wool wash detergent for a gentle clean and avoid using a fabric softener
Turn your wool clothes inside-out before washing
Dry flat to avoid over-stretching
Always dry away from any heat sources
Never tumble-dry woollens

Storing your woollens

Store folded in a cool, dry area - don't hang them
If packing away woollens during the summer, be sure to use vacuum packed storage bags to aid the prevention of moths
Lavender bags can be used to deter moths too
Wool naturally pills and they can easily be removed by hand. This should be done routinely after drying, or just prior to ironing.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH IT AT THE END OF IT'S LIFE?

As it's made from 100% wool you can compost it at the very end of its useful life and it will decompose, releasing valuable nutrients into the soil.