Welcome to South Downs Yarn. My name is Louise and I started SDY in 2011 because I wanted to knit stuff using local wool and could not find any. I work with individual Southdown shepherds whose pedigree flocks graze in the environs of the South Downs, Sussex.

Each small batch comes from a single flock, and a single year's clip. It is washed, carded, and woollen spun in England.

It is available in its natural colour, a beautiful creamy white that I call Chalk Path after the distinctive chalk paths that criss-cross the South Downs. It is also available in a selection of plant dyed shades. I cultivate a small dye garden on the South Coast, and hand dye all the yarn myself.

The history and provenance of South Downs Yarn's wool is not just part of the story, it is the story. Let me introduce you to the shepherds.

David Burden and the Duncton

The 2011 crop from David’s flock created the first yarn. Without David's enthusiasm, support, and generous introductions South Downs Yarn would probably never have become a reality.

Graham Langford and the Nepcote Flock

Graham, Hari, & Catherine shared the shepherding of this flock for our 2016 batch. The flock graze around the village of Findon at the foot of Cissbury Ring. It's my local flock, and home to the annual Sheep Fair every September.

Susan Harmer and the Ridings Flock

The 2017 clip from the Ridings flock was from shepherd Susan's lambs. Southdown lambswool, what can I say? It's like fairy wool.

Scott Bushby and The Wyndham Flock

When plans to turn the fleeces from the 2020 crop into yarn were being finalised in late 2019, none of us could have imagined that our world would be turned upside down in a matter of months. This photograph of Scott and myself (social distancing – keeping a couple of sheep widths apart) reminds me not only of all the heartache felt during those dark days, but also of hope, endeavour, and collaboration.

Twenty-five years on from the creation of the Wyndham flock it feels celebratory to be able to showcase a fourth limited-edition, single flock, woollen spun yarn from the South Downs.

Thank you for stopping by!