Cumbrian Yarn

A fascinating history of yarn in Cumbria, how yarn and wool production and sheep rearing have been part of Cumbria’s history for centuries and their importance today with the revival of interest in knitting and other related crafts.

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Yarn production and the rearing of sheep have shaped the county of Cumbria, from ancient sheep breeds and farming methods impacting the landscape, to yarn production and garment manufacture shaping many of the towns. Different breeds produce different yarns for different purposes, and today the Cumbrian sheep are competing on the world stage with yarns from around the globe. This book follows yarn production from the sheep to the sweater, centred on Cumbria.

In this book Beth and Steve Pipe describe the breeds of sheep associated with Cumbria and the sheep farming life, Sheep farming has shaped the landscape over the centuries, not least the old mills, but the industry also had an impact on local towns. The authors explore how the wools differ and the fleeces are obtained, how the fleeces are turned into yarns, long-established and modern-day spinning and dyeing, and in turn the traditional garments that they were used for, both work and leisure clothing, as well as other uses such as for carpets and beds. British wool has been exported round the world since Roman times, and Cumbria’s trade hubs such as Barrow and Whitehaven played a vital role. Local knitting communities were also important, many of which have been revived today, along with historic knitting patterns, and today wool from Cumbria is facing new global challenges.