Although I have no formal textile training I am always willing to ‘have a go’ and have learnt my various skills from others over many years. However I am lucky enough to keep sheep and alpacas that provide the most wonderful naturally coloured wool and fibre and this provides the basis for the goods that I produce.

Our smallholding is based in Wadhurst, East Sussex and consists of a pedigree flock of Jacob sheep, a pedigree flock of rare breed Portland sheep and a few alpacas too.

After shearing time I sort out a large percentage of the wool so that it can be commercially spun into yarn, this is then either woven into cloth or turned into knitting wool.

I spin, felt, weave or knit our own wool/fibre into a range of various items and these are sold through local Farmer’s Markets.

Although very hard work to be able to watch the raw wool/fibre grow, harvest it and then produce a homegrown article is very rewarding.

Paula Bull