Hats|Scarves|Ponchos|Others
A unique
assembly - the ancient Sheep Court of North Ronaldsay - elected by the
traditional townships on the island, manages the flocks of native seaweed-eating
sheep.
There is little evidence of the true origin
of North Ronaldsay's seaweed-eating sheep. They live on a narrow strip of beach
and foreshore outside the 13-mile stone dyke which surrounds the island, being
brought inside the wall only at lambing. When the clipping and dipping seasons
arrive the sheep are herded off the beaches into the stone-built Punds by the
collective efforts of the island,s sheep farmers. The act of punding is perhaps
one of the last remaining elements of communal farming in
Orkney.
Classified as a Rare Breed, with the
acquisition of this garment, you are aiding in the preservation of an endangered
species, and with limited quantities of fleece produced each year, you are
privileged with the knowledge of owning a unique and exclusive item which has
been individually handcrafted.
IMPORTANT!
Because all our
products are handmade, realisation of orders of large amounts of the same
product may take some time and must be discussed, please contact me
here.
Our Company also provides special commissions.
I looked upon my experiences as stepping stones
gaining me an insight into
the word of fashion specialising in ladies outerwear
and children items. I derive much job satisfaction from my work, over recent
years. North Ronaldsay rare breed wool is delightfully soft.
In 2000, I decided to venture into the process of raw fleeces into yarn and
then knitted and felted products, which exploit to the full the distinctive
characteristic of the North Ronaldsay breed. The wool is naturally coloured
softness and hard wearing.
The company, whose trademark is Rinansay, produces knitting yarns in natural
colours glamorous ponchos, stoles, capes, hats and scarves, knitwear cushion
covers. We are happy to discuss and facilitate bespoke orders.
Although fleece is currently hand spun, on larger orders it is will,
currently be sent away for spinning and wevring, but the knitting and
felting is
done on the premises.
The company's long term goal is that the whole process, from shearing though
spinning and product manufacture, to marketing and exporting will be done on the
premises, providing a significant contribution rural regeneration in the island.
Success will ensure that husbandry of this rare breed of sheep becomes more
economic for other breeders, this will also encourage better stewardship of the
island and the preservation of this pure bred rare breed of sheep. Meat from the
rare North Ronaldsay breed has become more popular, making husbandry more
economic.
Created, maintained and Copyright © 2005, Alex
