Friday, April 10, 2009

Philosophers Wool

Wednesday, as an 'add-on' to our Southampton trip, Ingrid suggested we visit the Philosophers Wool Farm. Just a half hour south of Southampton, it meant we were almost there. It was too close and too wooly an experience to pass up.

Elana had called ahead, so Anne and Eugene were expecting us. You might recognize Anne and Eugene by their brilliantly coloured sweaters. Or remember them for their brilliantly thought out and marketed 'Two Handed Fair Isle Technique'. Anne and Eugene are famous throughout North America for their workshops. They have taught untold numbers of knitters to knit Fair Isle sweaters using their 'Two-Handed Technique' to eliminate the frustrating tangle of yarn. Fair Isle knitters everywhere thank them.


You might call this meeting 'Philosophers meets Koigu'. Ingrid, wearing her lilac Koigu creation, greets Anne wearing a traditional Philosophers sweater.


Walking into their store, the first thing we saw was a wonderful display of their colour palette.
And of course, an 'image-of-Eugene' doll. Who can resist that hair?

They also sell buttons. Glorious, glorious buttons.
And then, I think, I was struck dumb. Or at least camera dumb. I took no more pictures once we entered the inner yarn sanctum. So many colours. So many sweaters, shawls, hats, socks and yarn, yarn yarn. So I leave you with their web site.

Happy drooling. Happy Easter. Happy Knitting.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

What a wonderful trip. I have admired their colour combinations and wool for years...lucky you!

Unknown said...

I did the Philosopher's wool pilgrimage two summer's back. It's a long way from London! But it was a lovely trip. They really put a lot of care and love into their shop.

freshisle said...

How wonderful! It's a lovely spot.