A few weeks ago now we went to collect some of our Poll Dorset 4 ply wool from northern Italy where it is combed and spun. It was a heartening experience to spend some days in Biella with the folk of Biella, The Wool Company. They were hosting the annual Feltrosa felt-in, the 'Wools of Europe exhibition' and the exhibition 'The Felt of the Shaman' which included a dance performance. To take part in all that, in such beautiful surroundings with such warm friendly people is something I will certainly repeat, picking up the 4-ply wool was an added bonus ...

Just to give you a peek of what is going on in the dyehouse.

There are three things on-going at the moment - dyeing for the new 10 coloured Shawlette from Cécile Balladino aka Eclectic Gipsyland; dyeing of some turkey-work wool for a project that has spanned 5 years for the Merchant's House in Marlborough, England and the endless job of keeping the crewel wool stock at a level that doesn't cause panic. Lampion is one of the Poll Dorset shades that will go into Cécile's new crochet shawl, this is made, among other things, with onion skins ...