The Genial Sheep

My award-winning rugs, throws and cushion covers are made from the fleeces of my flock of native and rare breed sheep. The Genial Sheep won the Made in Uttlesford prize in 2023. Fleeces are shorn from breeding sheep annually for their wellbeing. This means that our products are not sheep skins. The animals are not harmed in the making process - our sheep are still out in the fields grazing.

Sadly, wool in its raw state is not utilised in the UK notwithstanding that it is a beautiful, sustainable natural product. The fleece, if used (large amounts are destroyed) is more often processed into yarn for weaving and knitting products. However, I aim to make beautiful but practical items that use the fleeces as they were worn by our sheep, showing off their natural textures and colours. My products are held together by the age-old process of wet felting. Layers of pure wool are added to the back of the fleece and then the layers are bound together with heat, water and rolling. The results are attractive, extremely hard wearing and can be machine washed at home. No pieces are wasted felted ornaments are made from left over pieces of fleece. From time-to-time hand woven rugs and knitted mittens are available also made from my sheep’s fleece.

Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of my enterprise. These hardy, native and rare sheep thrive on natural herbage and receive no processed food. They graze on land in Essex and are part of my conservation and regenerative farming programme. The felting process uses hot water with the power sourced from solar panels. No dye is used, and the finished rugs are washed in a natural scour.

A second part of my felting business uses recycled knitwear. The original garments are taken apart, washed, felted, and then joined using patchwork designs inspired by patchwork crafting traditions from around the world. The layers are joined using hand embroidery. The pieces can be washed in a washing machine on a wool setting.

Instagram – @thegenialsheep