ZZZ-ARCHIVED-From Dorset to Skye – Old Page

I grew up in Dorset surrounded by stunning English countryside and dramatic coastline.  Whether at Sandbanks, Studland Bay, the Isle of Purbeck, or further afield at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove the limestone hills and Dorset’s dramatic jurassic coastline have always held a fascination for me.  This fostered a keen interest in geology and a desire for greater understanding of the landscape that surrounds us.  

This interest was only heightened, in later life, with frequent trips to Scotland and to Wester Ross in the Highlands; to walk in the majestic Torridon mountains.  The affinity to mountains and coastline also led to some formal study through the Open University.  With my love of craft, dramatic coastal landscapes and a feeling of awe at the forces that created our mountains it was little wonder that I eventually ended up moving to the Isle of Skye – the perfect habitat for TJFrog to grow her embryonic business.

Shorelines & Strata is TJFrog’s own range of British Wool.  It was born from a desire of bringing Dorset and Skye together through wool, celebrating their linkage through geology and each areas distinctive breeds of sheep that have long shaped the land.  

The first skeins produced were a mix of Poll Dorset, from Rampisham Farm near Beaminster, and Hebridean, from Croft 29 on Skye.  The 85% / 15% mix produced a yarn that was christened ‘limestone’ and has not only been used to produce some Dorset Button brooches, showcasing its natural grey colours, but has also been knitted and crocheted into accessories.  

Shorelines & Strata Limestone was launched at Edinburgh Yarn Festival 2017 and was, in many ways, representative of TJFrog’s story from tadpole to today.