Herdwick wool
Herdwick sheep are known for their resilience and adaptability, producing a unique, coarse yet beautiful wool that is highly durable. Herdwick wool has distinctive properties. It is particularly strong and abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for products that require long-term use, such as carpets and sturdy clothing. The wool has excellent insulating properties and is wonderfully warm. It also offers natural protection against the elements, including rain and wind, making it perfect for outdoor clothing.
Herdwick wool has a unique structure that sets it apart from other sheep breeds. With its coarser and stiffer texture, the wool contributes to the rugged appearance and distinctive tactile quality of the products made from it. The wool fibers are coarse and curly, providing excellent insulation and durability. This structure makes the wool less prone to wear and felting, allowing Herdwick wool products to last longer and maintain their shape better. Compared to finer wools, Herdwick wool offers a more robust and versatile option suitable for a broader range of durable applications.
Shearing
For centuries, sheep shearing has been considered essential for their well-being. By regularly removing the wool, overheating and skin problems that can arise from excessive wool growth are prevented. This practice is not only functional but also a sign of care for the animals. Historically, sheep shearing was a craft performed with great care to optimize wool production and ensure the comfort of the animals.
Today, this tradition continues with modern techniques that prioritize the well-being of the sheep, just as we do with our own Herdwick sheep. We shear our sheep ourselves, calmly and as sheep-friendly as possible. Comfort and animal welfare come first; each sheep is a beloved individual, not just a number. During shearing, we ensure that the animals are at ease and do not experience stress. We take pride in our sheep-friendly approach, balancing both the comfort of our flock and the quality of the wool to produce sustainable, high-quality products.
Pegloom
Pegloom is a traditional weaving craft. This technique, which involves weaving yarn through wooden pegs on a simple loom, was developed centuries ago and is easy to learn. Using a pegloom allows for the creation of sturdy, rustic rugs.
From the wool of our own Herdwick sheep, we produce beautiful Herdwick rugs on the pegloom. The unique properties of Herdwick wool—strong, abrasion-resistant, and weatherproof—make the rugs particularly durable and functional. Additionally, the natural color variation of the wool, ranging from deep black to light gray, gives each rug an authentic and aesthetic appearance.
This craft combines tradition with the beautiful wool from our sheep, allowing us to not only honor the ancient art of weaving but also create high-quality, unique products that tell a story.
Colors
In terms of color, Herdwick lambs are often born with black wool that turns brown as they grow older and later becomes lighter gray. These natural color transitions are often utilized in artisanal products without the need for dye. This gives the wool a natural variety of shades, ranging from deep black in young lambs to light gray and white in adult sheep. This color variation makes Herdwick wool particularly appealing for a wide range of applications.
The natural color transitions from black to gray and white, combined with the coarse texture, give Herdwick wool a rustic, authentic appearance that is favored by artisans and designers. This makes it an ideal material for pegloom products.
Westkust Woolcreations
With pride, we weave beautiful home rugs from our own Herdwick wool, featuring natural shades that range from deep black to soft gray. These rugs add a rustic, authentic charm to any space and serve as a true highlight for the interior. Weaving on the pegloom not only provides creative freedom and self-expression but also a deep connection with artisanal traditions and natural materials. The result is unique and stylish home rugs from Westkust Woolcreations. Additionally, we offer a special series, Westkust Wool&Cats, with cat rugs and natural toys for cats, as well as Westkust Wool&Dogs, featuring rugs for dog beds.
Interested?
Our creations are made from the raw wool of our Herdwick flock. The wool is robust, beautiful, and durable. By using the traditional pegloom technique, we craft high-quality handmade goods. Our handcrafted, fair wool creations are always made to order, ensuring that each customer receives a product specifically designed for them. Each creation is made with love and care. No two creations are exactly the same, so you always have an exclusive and personal piece. You can choose the size, wool color, pattern, and type of weave thread to ensure the final result perfectly matches your personal style and preferences.
For more information about prices and options, please contact us. We are ready to answer all your questions and work with you to create the perfect design. Feel free to send us an email, and we will gladly assist you in obtaining your own unique wool rug.
