The Welsh word “braf” means delightful, fine and grand, all of which are apt descriptions of the yarn produced from Bowmont sheep. This high quality fine wool is produced in upland Wales from a breed first developed at the Macaulay Institute in Aberdeen. The Bowmont is a quarter Shetland and three quarters Merino, allowing for premium fleece from a sheep able to brave the rigours of Welsh upland winters. The yarn is fine: 18 – 19 microns.

 

Bowmont Braf is soft, light, lofty and of a high quality. It knits and crochets well, can be felted and hand spun. It is suitable for all types of garments including hats scarves and accessories, and is particularly well suited to garments for babies and toddlers due to its softness. Some patterns developed by top class Mid Wales designers are available free to download.

 

 

Farmed locally in the glorious uplands of Mid Wales, the sheep are clipped in June. The wool is processed at Woolcount in Brecon – a local mill set up in 2006 – and spun into two weights: Double Knitting and 4 ply. The yarn is available as natural undyed fibre, or in a range of colours developed to represent the vibrant natural beauty of Mid Wales. The wool has not been out of Wales until it is sold to craftspeople and knitters for their work.

 

This project was supported by European Union LEADER+, Welsh Assembly Government and Powys County Council.