Yarn Crafts

Sheep have been part of Orkney’s agricultural economy for thousands of years and this means that every year there is new wool to be used. Some of our members keep their own flocks and then shear, spin and weave, knit or crochet the yarn – from start to finish an Orkney–grown product. This naturally includes the famous seaweed eating North Ronaldsay sheep, an ancient breed, one of the oldest domesticated sheep.

Fleece is also used cleaned and dyed to make beautiful feltwork products. Some of these are two-dimensional pictures where the artist has used the fleece sparingly in a very painterly way but there are also some very talented members using fleece to make sculpted 3D articles.

It is possible to use different types of thread and yarn in numerous ways so look out for knitted necklaces, crocheted and felted brooches, embroidered boxes and hooked-rug style cushions as well as hats, headbands, mitts, socks and sweaters.