Stansborough
The Stansborough fibres are some of the rarest in the world coming from a unique breed of grey sheep. They have been selectively bred from an original stock of Swedish Gotland Pelt to become a small herd of a thousand ‘Stansborough Greys’ located on their farm in New Zealand. The fibre is renowned for its silky and lustrous appearance and has beautiful draping qualities.
The owners personally attend to the shearing, hand sorting and grading of the fleece. The yarn is woven in a local mill and the fabrics woven on their own looms dating back to the 1890’s. It takes two days to prepare these looms for one run of fabric. While most throws are use a natural, un-dyed palette, bio-degradable overdyes are sometimes used to increase the colour range and add extra lustre.
The emphasis at the Stansborough mill is quality, not quantity, and is collected by connoisseurs of unique textiles around the world.
While exhibiting in New York they so impressed the costume designers of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and they supplied the fabric used to make the hobbit’s cloaks and many of other of the characters besides.
Stansborough also have a small herd of Alpacas which produce 20 different coloured yarns that enhance the range of fabrics and designs. Alpaca is an exceptional fibre in that it does not tear, pill, stain, itch or create static as is suitable for allergy sufferers who may be intolerant of wool’s ‘prickle factor’. Alpaca has an average micron rating similar to merino wool, yet is far more durable. It’s partly hollow fibres provide excellent insulation while remaining lightweight and soft.
Stansborough boutique woven wraps, scarves, throws, blankets and cushion covers in a pure Alpaca, Stansborough Grey wool, or mixed with Merino and Angora make a unique gift for lovers of all things real and rustic. Their designs have a unisex appeal making it the perfect heirloom gift for many occasions.