The Wonder of Wool

A Knitter's Guide to Pure Breed Sheep

by Justine Lee and Jess Morency

A Journey Through Heritage and Sustainability

Wool is more than just a fibre

it is a living legacy, woven into the fabric of human history. For centuries, native sheep breeds have shaped landscapes, sustained communities, and provided warmth, durability, and beauty. Yet, in an age of fast fashion and mass production, many of these heritage breeds face an uncertain future.

The Wonder of Wool celebrates

the remarkable qualities of wool and the critical importance of preserving the genetic diversity of Britain’s native sheep breeds. Each breed, uniquely shaped by its environment, offers distinct characteristics, from the soft, lofty fleece of the Romney to the hardy, weather-resistant wool of the Shetland. This diversity is not just a treasure of the past but a resource for the future, ensuring resilience against climate change, disease, and shifting agricultural demands.

More than just a guide

it’s a call to action. By supporting rare breeds and traditional craftsmanship, we honour generations of shepherds and ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from the rich variety of wools these sheep provide.

Wonder of Wool Front Cover

A Celebration of British Wool and Craftsmanship

Britain boasts more sheep breeds than any other country, each with extraordinary lineages stretching back centuries. Yet, sheep farmers face perpetual crises, cheap imports and unsustainable practices threaten their livelihoods. Despite this, the yarn from rare breed sheep remains unmatched in beauty, density, durability, and natural colour.

Justine Lee’s mission is to prove that slow fashion is the way forward. Through The Wonder of Wool, she invites you to explore the potential of British wool, discover the stories behind each breed, and learn how to knit with these unique fibres. This book is for anyone who believes in buying less but better, because a hand-knitted jumper made from 100% British rare breed wool is not just a garment; it’s a piece of pure, sustainable beauty.

5 stars - Just finished reading the book and loved it!
Just finished reading the book and loved it!
5 stars - The book is just lovely
The book is just lovely
5 stars - Stunning
Stunning
5 stars - Loving your book
Loving your book
5 stars - I can't wait to read this book.
I can't wait to read this book.
5 stars - Thank you for taking the time to research, write and publish this book. Some of my favourite pieces of clothing are from BFL but i did not realise there were other breeds.
Thank you for taking the time to research, write and publish this book. Some of my favourite pieces of clothing are from BFL but i did not realise there were other breeds.
5 stars - Your book is beautiful and so informative
Your book is beautiful and so informative

About the Book

In this book, author Justine Lee shares her transformative journey from fast fashion to sustainable knitwear. After three decades in the industry, she discovered the environmental cost of cheap clothing and set out to create a model for ethical, slow fashion. Her quest led her to Britain’s 62 pure sheep breeds, where she uncovered the potential for a cashmere-equivalent wool soft, luxurious, and sustainably sourced.
The Wonder of wool sheep
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