Our Journal

Here you will find notes from the mill, design stories, techniques unravelled, and community news. 

SHEEP SHEARING WITH BRITISH WOOL

SHEEP SHEARING WITH BRITISH WOOL

Here at byLaxtons whilst we might be experts in spinning, we are always looking to improve our knowledge of the steps before the raw wool reaches us and to ensure that everyone in our close-knit team understands the best practices for which we advocate. This month our ecommerce manager Rochelle took a day trip to Reagill Grange Farm in Penrith to take part in a beginner’s machine sheep shearing course hosted by British Wool.
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Yarn Speak: Which Wool?

Yarn Speak: Which Wool?

Exploring the features, benefits and limitations of different fibres is something that we have been studying since our family began working with textiles in 1907. It’s a lifetime’s work and it has taken 4 generations so far to amass the knowledge and experience that we have – and it’s fair to say that we’re still learning. A large part of our role as yarn manufacturers is about experimentation and innovation, so that we can offer our customers with the best and most up to date processes and products.

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Worsted vs Woollen Spun

Worsted vs Woollen Spun

We are a worsted spinning mill, but what does that actually mean? In commercial wool yarn manufacturing there are two spinning methods – worsted and woollen. (Worsted spinning shouldn’t be confused with worsted weight yarn – but that’s a topic of conversation for another time!) 
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Yarn Speak: What's a micron?

Yarn Speak: What's a micron?

A micron is the measurement unit used to express the diameter or thickness of the individual wool fibre. One micron is one millionths of a metre. The lower the micron count the finer the wool, and therefore the higher the commercial value. Generally speaking, British wool ranges between 29 to 35 microns.
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YARN SPEAK: WHAT ARE WOOL TOPS?

YARN SPEAK: WHAT ARE WOOL TOPS?

On the mezzanine of our factory you will usually find several large cubic bales of fibre. This is how most of the wool that we spin into yarn is delivered to us. The bales contain wool ‘tops’ - the clean, unprocessed wool ready for gilling, twisting, and spinning.

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Why We Love Wool

Why We Love Wool

Wool is naturally connected to our heritage as British yarn spinners since 1907 and will no doubt play a leading role in our future as we look towards a more responsible use of our planetary resources.

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Inspired By Yorkshire

Inspired By Yorkshire

From fleece to finished yarn in less than 50 miles, our Sheepsoft family of yarns are inspired by the Yorkshire landscape that we call home.

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What is wooltrace?

What is wooltrace?

Wooltrace is a yarn with a mission. Our trademark fully traceable yarn guarantees fair pay to sheep farmers and fosters positive environmental and social change. Spun and dyed by us, this superior quality wool is made with passion and purpose in every fibre.
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Tags: Design wool