A humble fleece from a sheep's back holds the key to a more sustainable clothing industry—if only we'd reconnect with this remarkable fiber. In this episode, we journey deep into the world of wool processing with Fiona, founder of The Shire Mill, a small independent operation breathing new life into British wool.

The disconnect between sheep farmers and the true value of their wool tells a troubling story. What once provided a farmer's annual rent now fetches less than the cost of shearing, pushing many to discard fleeces rather than sell them. Yet as synthetic fabrics fill our landfills, the natural performance benefits of wool—breathability, water resistance, warmth even when wet, and complete biodegradability—remain unmatched by modern alternatives.

Following a fleece's transformation reveals the craftsmanship behind quality wool products. From the initial "skirting" to remove debris, through washing, fiber separating, carding, drawing, spinning, and plying—each step demands skill and patience. The process preserves each fleece's unique character, whether from soft Bluefaced Leicester sheep or hardy Herdwick breeds whose wool excels in carpets and outerwear.

Most fascinating is Fiona's personalized approach, processing individual sheep's fleeces separately to return "Dave yarn" or "Steve yarn" to farmers with named animals. This connection between animal, processor, and end product represents what's been lost in our fast-fashion world, where a 75p synthetic beanie becomes garbage while a £75 wool hat could serve for decades before harmlessly returning to the soil.

Have you considered the origin story of your clothing? Join us in celebrating this remarkable renewable resource and the skilled artisans working to preserve traditional wool processing in Britain. Follow us across social platforms to continue the conversation about sustainable natural materials and share this episode with anyone interested in reconnecting with the authentic materials that clothed humanity for centuries.

The mill can be found at https://www.shiremill.co.uk/

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