Raging against the system one stitch at a time, refusing to be a part of an oil-fed industry that makes profits for the few, exploits the many and dumps mountains of waste on other places. The idea that crafting is an act of rebellion is not new1 but deserves repeating. But first I must explain that I am not suggesting putting anarchist logos on craft-made items, no ‘FCUK’ or ‘Down with …..’. Rather I refer

Perfection probably varies from person to person, but I was looking for a sustainable, durable, warm and soft cotton sock that didn’t fall down too quickly! I have heard it said that vegan socks can never be both sustainable and able to retain their shape. Perhaps it is always a balance between the two aims. However, in years gone by people knitted beautiful cotton socks without lycra, and indeed stockings. This gives me hope. They

Spirit at four months growing into a handsome young man. Spirit at about a year old, and ready for a first shearing. I bought my first Spirit fleece in June 2025. It arrived from the Same Star Sheep Sanctuary in a bag labelled with Spirit’s name. I try to wash the fleeces as soon as possible, they do get a bit smelly. Some people spin ‘in the grease’ and wash after the fleece has been

Spirit came to The Same Star Sheep Sanctuary in 2022, only a few hours old and having been rejected by his mother. Tiny and freezing cold he was nurtured and he grew. He is one very lucky sheep, allowed to live out his natural life, adored and cosseted.

The fine quality of Egyptian linen has lead to much speculation of how it might have been made. It has been shown that splicing is the answer and not traditional draught spinning. I was keen to find out more details and I believe that even the experiments of a complete novice like me give some insight. Cat Lewis of Llieinwe kindly allowed me to use some of her flax for splicing experiments. Some was thicker,