Lecarrow Farm Organic Wool Project
We’ve recently collaborated with Annie Gambrill of Gambrill & Lam in North Mayo to create bespoke pieces using 100% organic Irish wool from our own
flock, with traceability at the heart of the process. After three years of research and development, we’re excited to launch our collection later this year.
Our flock is managed using organic, low-impact practices that prioritise animal welfare, land stewardship and fibre integrity. The wool is naturally coloured, a distinctive grey with warm brown undertones so no dyes are needed, preserving the fibre’s natural character. Once shorn, our wool is sent to The Natural Fibre Company in Cornwall, where it is carefully washed, carded and spun to ensure strength, consistency and softness.
The yarn then returns to the farm before being passed to Annie, who handweaves each piece on a heritage flying shuttle loom. Every blanket and shawl is made in small batches and finished with care, resulting in durable, beautifully crafted textiles designed for everyday use and to be heirlooms that are passed down through generations. The natural tones and traditional techniques create pieces that feel both timeless and contemporary, rooted in the landscape and heritage of our farm in the west of Ireland.
A key part of this project is its low-impact approach, with minimal intervention and short supply chains. We are committed to full transparency from sheep to finished textile and to recognising wool as a primary product in its own right.
By bringing together farming, milling and weaving, this collaboration shows how small-scale rural enterprises can produce high-quality textiles while respecting the land, the animals and the traditional craft.
Meet the Team
The Sheep
Our flock is a mix of breeds, from Belclares to Suffolks. A few years ago we introduced Jacob sheep and crosses, bringing a beautifully rich blend of black, brown and white tones to the wool. Next year, we hope to introduce additional breeds, such as Romneys, to further enhance both the quality and quantity of our wool.
All of our sheep live out their lives here, their only job to graze and grow beautiful fleece. Some, like Betty, have retired from wool production but still enjoy a good photo moment.
In the photograph stand some members of our flock including Daisy, our best-known Jacob, who is always first to the camera, with her daughter Flora close behind, sharing the same flair for attention.
Left to right: Flora, Braveheart, Tutu, Daisy, Betty, Little Charlie
Tara
I manage the day-to-day running of Lecarrow Farm, checking in with this lovely flock and keeping an eye on everything from feet to fleece. Having cared for horses all my life, I thought sheep would be much the same - but I quickly discovered there was more to it than I ever could have imagined! I’ve since fallen in love with these gentle, friendly animals and grown to truly appreciate them. From the moment I arrived, I felt compelled to create something from their beautiful wool. I was surprised it held so little value and became determined to change that.
What began as curiosity turned into a journey, one that led me to Annie at a wool event and on to learning to spin. It hasn’t been easy and has taken longer than expected, but we’re delighted to be offering a small collection later this year which I'm excited to share with you.
Annie
I’m a shepherdess, teacher and ambassador for heritage crafts, dedicated to preserving and reviving traditional textile skills. Originally from West Sussex and now based in North Mayo, my work sits at the intersection of land, fibre and handcraft, shaped by an intimate understanding of fibre as a living material.
I specialise in hand spinning on restored antique wheels and weaving Irish sheep’s wool on my flying shuttle loom, guiding locally sourced fibre through every stage—from fleece to finished cloth. Alongside this, I’m deeply passionate about hand sewing, smocking, and embroidery, using stitch to explore texture, structure, and storytelling.
I’m delighted to be working with Lecarrow Farm, connecting with their beautiful land, animals, and the meaningful work they do. I look forward to seeing this project grow over the years and to sharing more of our heirloom pieces with you.
