knittingmag.com 17“Hopefully that will make it sustainable long term. The main ethos
for us as British, generational farmers is to try and manage the
landscape which we can hopefully pass on to our children. Wool is
a wonderful by product – we wanted to be more environmentally
friendly, put wool back on the map and educate the public about it.”
She adds: “It is as much an education piece as anything else. I
do nearly 100 shows a year, which gives me the opportunity to
speak directly to customers. Web sales are growing but it is equally
important to still see people. I also give talks to various groups such
as the Women’s Institute, crafting groups and retirement societies.
I see it as a full circle of what we are trying to do.”
Going forward she plans to continue promoting Romney wool,
spinning it in British mills and selling her huge range of wool-
related products. She hopes to develop more knitting patterns and
collaborate with more makers – including an upcoming team-up
with Kentish Dyes to create coloured leece for needle felting.
Kristina has noticed a surge in the craft market over recent years,
particularly in knitting and felting. “My biggest growth area is
probably my topped leece, because it is so versatile. You can use
it as stuing, or spin or felt with it,” she says.
“Certainly the market in the last few years has really gained
momentum and what is so nice to see is that people want to pass
those skills on, and seeing more young people coming back into it.”Visit Romney Marsh Wools – the next open day is set
to be held during lambing season, from 11am-3pm
on April 5. Find out more at romneymarshwools.co.ukSHEEPY GOODNESS
Try out some of the amazing goodies from
Romney Marsh WoolsHAPPY WOOLLY DAYS
Romney Marsh Wools has recently opened two shepherds’
huts on the farm as holiday cottages, where visitors can
enjoy top-end yet rustic accommodation as well as a host
of local foods and experiences.
Kristina says: “When I have been going round events,
people often asked if they could come to the farm and stay.
Tourism is quite a big growth sector, and there is an under-
subscription of high-end accommodation in Kent.” Today the
huts make an extra revenue stream for the farm, and Kristina
was able to get a government grant to help fund the launch.
They sit right out in a ield overlooking the picturesque
ields of Romney Marsh, but each has an en suite bathroom
with hot water, a mini kitchen, wood burning stove and
electricity. Kristina teams up with other local businesses
to provide local foods, toiletries and art, and also arranges
experiences in the area such as wine tours and hiring e-bikes.
“I have put a lot of thought into it because I’m a member
of Produced in Kent. I wanted everything to be as local as
possible and because I have the contacts to do it, it works
for everyone,” she says.Would you like to enjoy a woolly holiday on
the farm? Book before the end of April and get
10% off with this exclusive code for Knitting
readers: SHEPHERDSHUTS10. Find out more and
book at romneymarshwools.co.uk.Baby knitting
kits,
from £Handmade
County Flat
Cap, £Fostum
Herringbone
cushion, £PHOTOGRAPH: MATILDA DELVES PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPH: MATILDA DELVES PHO
TOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHS: MATILDA DELVES PHOTOGRAPHY