Everything in our shop has started out in the fields of our Devon farm. Nestled on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, our flock of sheep includes a variety of breeds with different wool characteristics.
Knitted in natural wool colours as well as yarns hand dyed using natural foraged dyes such as onion, nettles and fallen oak bark.
Natural Rubber 2L Hot water bottle include
Hand dyed on Farm
Hand knitted on Farm
100% British Wool Masham Fleece
The Masham wool used to make our scarves comes from the gorgeous lustrous locks of these fabulous ewes. Shorn annually we then have our wool spun just up the road in Launceston. Back on the farm it is carefully hand dyed and knitted in our wool barn. Each piece is a completely unique, one off item that will make a perfect gift or something for you to treasure.
Created with love and care, traceable British wool products direct from the farm.
More about the sheep...
The Masham sheep is originally from the town in Yorkshire from which they take their name. They are bred from a hardy Dalesbred ewe and a Teeswater sire, most commonly found in the northern moors of England. Rushlade farm is home to just one of two Devon flocks of Dalesbreds (That we are aware of!) where the ewes graze breathtaking expanses of moorland between the gorse and heather. Back in the meadow the tall Teeswater Rams enjoy a quiet life for most of the year, coming to work for a short period in the Autumn when the ewes come back to the farm for 'tupping time'. The Teeswater fleece cascades with gorgeous silky long ringlets of wool which give this yarn its fantastic lustre.
The Wool..
This lustre makes the yarn glossy, shedding dirt and giving our shawls a lovely drape and movement. When hand dyed in the barn, the glossy fibres dye to beautiful vibrant colours.
The Knitting..
Without leaving the barn, the yarns go from dyeing to knitting. Hand knitted with needles and flat bed machines, everything is uniquely hand crafted.
The Farm...
Rushlade is home to Russ and Jess Steer and their children. The small farm is home to a small herd of pedigree Simmental Cattle and around 300 ewes from Dalesbred to Merino and many many breeds in between!! The wool company started in 2017 when Jess started to supply local spinners with raw fleece and whilst this continues today, we also sell yarns and knitwear. It is a small family business rooted in the farm and focused on the sheep and doing them justice by ensuring that the amazing fleeces that they produce are championed with quality British textiles.
Instructions for use from Hot Water Bottle Manufacturers:
• When filling this hot water bottle do not use boiling water and fill to a maximum of two-thirds capacity or less.
• Do not overfill as this might cause the bottle to burst.
• Hold the bottle by the neck in an upright position and fill slowly to avoid hot water splashing back.
• Expel air from the bottle by lowering it carefully onto a flat surface until water appears at the opening.
• Screw the stopper sufficiently tight to ensure that there is no leakage. Finger tight should be adequate.
• If there is a possibility that prolonged contact with the skin could occur an adequate cover should be used to prevent burns.
• Under no circumstance should the hot water bottle be used as a cushion and be sat on.
• Do not fill using water from the domestic hot water system as this can considerably shorten the life of the hot water bottle.
• Prevent contact with hot surfaces. Prevent contact with oil or grease.
• When not in use drain completely and keep with the stopper removed, in a cool, dry, dark place. Prevent exposure to sunlight.
• Do not place anything on top of the bottle during storage.
• Check the bottle and stopper for wear and damage prior to use.
• Do not overfill as this might cause the bottle to burst
• If there is a possibility that prolonged contact with the skin could occur an adequate cover should be used to prevent burns.
• Do not place anything on top of the bottle during storage.
WARNING - HOT WATER BOTTLES CAN CAUSE BURNS. AVOID PROLONGED DIRECT CONTACT WITH SKIN. Conforms with British Standard 1970:2012