A noble animal

(Image © Copyright Anne Burgess and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence) What a handsome character! Let us introduce the Blue Faced Leicester, a splendid breed of sheep that's been developed in the North of England over the last hundred years. They're big and strong, with excellent staple length (how long the individual fibres of the fleece are), and they're named for the distinctive blue skin on their heads, which you can see when the head's close-cropped as it is above. Oh, and that imposing nose is another breed characteristic. And here's why we're so fascinated with Blue Faced Leicesters at the moment: Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester is one of our new yarns for the coming season, and it's just gorgeous. It's a British heritage yarn, raised and processed entirely in the UK. An Aran weight which comes in soft neutrals and strong saturated brights, it will make the cosiest jumpers and cardigans and accessories during the cold months to come. There's 75 metres in a ball, and what's more, it's superwash, so it's easy to care for. This is the Lattice and Rib Sweater from Debbie Bliss Blue-faced Leicester Aran (there's twelve other patterns in there as well, ranging from fingerless mitts through scarves and jumpers to coats). It's a fast knit, and the cables make it so snuggly and warm. So thanks to that excellent creature up above and her (or his) relations, it's going to be a wonderfully warm winter.