Welcome to my shop.

I think I've always been a recycler although it didn't have a name when I was a child. Growing up on the family farm, it was just what everyone did. My parents would have been children in the Depression years, so when something new was needed it was second nature to look around at what you had that could be modified or re-formed to do the job before considering buying a new item.

There was the typical graveyard of farm machinery and workshop full of things that "might come in handy one day". It was no different in the home and, dare I say it, my mother's Scottish heritage may have played a part. Gorgeous cotton and linen dresses of fashionable aunts were refashioned into dresses for a family of girls, the scraps being saved for doll's clothes or patchwork rugs. I started my first patchwork quilt as a teen. (I still have it).

Likewise, hand-knitted woolen jerseys that had been outgrown were unrun, washed and re-knitted to become fabulous multi-coloured new jerseys, blankets or toasty warm slippers.

So to the present day. Generally, I re-make woollen items - maybe a cashmere jersey that has gone through the wrong wash cycle to emerge several sizes smaller; perhaps it is a little worn in some places or simply an odd style. In the case of woollen Scottish kilts, they may have some little moth holes, but as with the jerseys, most of the fabric is in good condition. Woollen blankets are still warm and cuddly but have often been replaced by duvets nowadays.

Before reconstruction, I break all the rules for washing woollies. Apart from getting a thorough hot wash, I don't mind if they shrink a little, becoming thicker, softer and a little felted. Also, a good pummeling in the washing machine exposes any weaknesses in the fabric before I set to with the scissors to use only the best parts. (Note: this is NOT the way to wash the finished products in my shop!)

Like my parents, I live rurally. I don't have a wheelie bin for a regular rubbish collection but because I use natural materials, I can toss the wool scraps in the compost or use them as very colourful mulch in the garden, conserving water around plants.

So, many items in my shop have had a previous useful life, is breathable and recyclable. the woollies are wonderfully warm and snuggly and hopefully will be enjoyed by another generation for many more years.
Kind regards
Auntie Ruth