Bowmont wool - as it SHOULD be used!

I was very fortunate recently to have the most beautiful gift from Anne Lander. Anne is a weaver who spins all her own yarn. She is a true Artisan – someone who puts her very essence into what she does but  makes things that are both practical AND beautiful. She is a leading light in Wiltshire’s Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers and comes from a very long line of textile people in Mere.

Anne visited here a few months ago, together with her friend Veronica and their delightful taxi driver Bobby. They had travelled all the way from Wiltshire by taxi to see the farm and meet the sheep. She brought with her several examples of her stunning weaving. I was totally blown away by the natural empathy Anne has with the fibre she is using. Whatever it was – she showed it off to best effect. Anne went back with an armful of best Bowmont with a promise that she would lend me the resulting shawl for my stand at Devon County Show.

Sure enough, just before the show the most stunning creation arrived. Hand spun and hand woven. To my immense surprise and deep gratitude, Anne, when she visited me at the County Show to see the shawl displayed, then gave it to me as a gift. It will be treasured.