Happy sheep and ethical felting
Before starting to felt I wasn't too sure about the ethical implications of using wool, but assumed that the sheep were not harmed in the process. I now know more about this huge global industry and have discovered some very upsetting facts.
Having been a vegetarian since the age of 12, animal welfare is hugely important to me and I feel strongly about ensuring the fibres I use are ethically sourced and cruelty-free. A few years ago I found out about the treatment of merino sheep and the procedure of ‘mulesing’ and committed then to only ever using non-mulesed merino wool in my work. (Pressure has meant that this practice is illegal in the UK and New Zealand but still widespread in Australia.)
I always try to source wool locally, from small farms where I can visit the sheep, and the larger suppliers I use, for example Wingham Wool Work in Yorkshire, supply ethical, non-mulesed Merino.
Having been a vegetarian since the age of 12, animal welfare is hugely important to me and I feel strongly about ensuring the fibres I use are ethically sourced and cruelty-free. A few years ago I found out about the treatment of merino sheep and the procedure of ‘mulesing’ and committed then to only ever using non-mulesed merino wool in my work. (Pressure has meant that this practice is illegal in the UK and New Zealand but still widespread in Australia.)
I always try to source wool locally, from small farms where I can visit the sheep, and the larger suppliers I use, for example Wingham Wool Work in Yorkshire, supply ethical, non-mulesed Merino.
Sheep on Bodmin Moor
One farm, Newmoor Barn -The Ethical Fibre Company based in the Tamar Valley on the Cornwall-Devon border is committed to producing and selling cruelty-free fibres and has beautiful products and I love its philosophy:
‘Our business is an ethical business that focuses on animal welfare throughout the whole process (from growing to shearing). Our Mohair is vegetarian as our animals will never go to slaughter even when their fibre is no longer financially viable and they will never go into the food chain.
The sheep’s fleece we buy is only bought from local small holders and farmers where we can be sure the animals are treated with care and respect. We treat the animals that supply our fibre as we do our customers, with respect. We are trying to encourage artists to consider where their fibre comes from and if it’s natural, to consider the treatment of the animal that supplied it, there are some horrible practices going on out there.’
An exciting delivery from Newmoor Barn!
Fernando, Lola and Luna - Cilla'a sheep
Arapawa Sheep
I am so happy to have been sent some wool from my wonderful friend Allyson in New Zealand, whose friend Cilla lives in Waihi Gorge, a beautiful and scenic area by the river and a waterfall ...it sounds idyllic…and perfect for her sheep too!
Cilla also told me about the sheep:
‘Arapawa wool comes from sheep that originated from Arapawa Island in Marlborough Sounds since 130 years ago. Lean, light-boned, alert, bright eyes; they are active sheep and have survived hostile terrain and situations. They are resistant to lots of illnesses such as fly strike and are very good mothers naturally.
You will notice the different texture of the wool as you felt it – the brown is very soft and easy to felt, the grey wool has an elasticity and stretch in it that is completely different from the brown wool.’
Thank you so much Allyson, Cilla, Fernando, Lola and Luna :-)
Arapawa wool
A few links:
Interview with Newmoor Barn - http://feltbyzed.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/ethical-wool-and-animal-fibre.html
On mulesing - http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-mulesing-and-what-are-the-alternatives_113.html
'Shepherding Britain’s wool industry towards more ethical pastures' - http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainable-fashion-blog/2014/sep/04/britains-wool-industry-sheep-ethical-pastures and www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/14/is-it-ethical-to-buy-wool-ethical-dilemma
'Hooligan Yarns' - ‘Single sheep’ yarns that promote a high welfare message! (thank you Laura Maynard for the link!)
The Compassionate Knitter’s Guide to Vegan Yarns
Interview with Newmoor Barn - http://feltbyzed.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/ethical-wool-and-animal-fibre.html
On mulesing - http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-mulesing-and-what-are-the-alternatives_113.html
'Shepherding Britain’s wool industry towards more ethical pastures' - http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainable-fashion-blog/2014/sep/04/britains-wool-industry-sheep-ethical-pastures and www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/14/is-it-ethical-to-buy-wool-ethical-dilemma
'Hooligan Yarns' - ‘Single sheep’ yarns that promote a high welfare message! (thank you Laura Maynard for the link!)
The Compassionate Knitter’s Guide to Vegan Yarns
Soul Comfort x
I absolutely love handling wools and fleece, the warmth, depth, gentleness, bounce and texture, such differences between each sheep breed... soulful, soothing & sensory :) gorgeous smells too! My hands actually tingle in response to wools close-by!
... and I loved reading this on the Soul Comfort website, which promotes wool, 'the miracle fibre':
'One of the most intriguing properties of wool is that it is composed of the same protein that makes up the outer protective layer of your skin. This means it works in complete harmony with your body's own protective mechanisms.'
... and how wool promotes healing and increases comfort - natural healing qualities which have been known by holistic practitioners around the world for centuries.
This led me to something I've always felt, but never articulated ...
I truly believe this sensory healing element is present throughout my whole creative felting process... all the way from the beautiful sheep, whose fleece I am so grateful to be working with, in all my feltings created with such love and care, and all the way through to customer, with the finished artwork... the healing properties remain when the felting is on their wall, radiating warmth, comfort and soulful joy x
Thank you sheep :) x
I absolutely love handling wools and fleece, the warmth, depth, gentleness, bounce and texture, such differences between each sheep breed... soulful, soothing & sensory :) gorgeous smells too! My hands actually tingle in response to wools close-by!
... and I loved reading this on the Soul Comfort website, which promotes wool, 'the miracle fibre':
'One of the most intriguing properties of wool is that it is composed of the same protein that makes up the outer protective layer of your skin. This means it works in complete harmony with your body's own protective mechanisms.'
... and how wool promotes healing and increases comfort - natural healing qualities which have been known by holistic practitioners around the world for centuries.
This led me to something I've always felt, but never articulated ...
I truly believe this sensory healing element is present throughout my whole creative felting process... all the way from the beautiful sheep, whose fleece I am so grateful to be working with, in all my feltings created with such love and care, and all the way through to customer, with the finished artwork... the healing properties remain when the felting is on their wall, radiating warmth, comfort and soulful joy x
Thank you sheep :) x
Isle of Arran sheep (my original inspiration!)