As The Sheep Intended
14 timeless knitting patterns in a book celebrating natural colours, just as the sheep intended.
ABOUT THE BOOK
“Yarn in the colours the sheep intended” perfectly sums up everything this book is about. The hues and tones of the undyed yarns directly from the sheep themselves. The patterns I have designed in this book celebrate everything our wonderful sheep have to offer. Guided by the individual character of each breed, from the lustre of Wensleydale long wool to the crisp definition of Ryeland. Each design has been carefully crafted to embrace the palette of the sheep, untouched and rooted in nature.
All of the designs are complete. The Kickstarter isn’t about creating the book from scratch. It’s about bringing it to life. Your pledge funds the final stages of making, testing, photography, book design, and publishing. This funding ensures the finished book is of the highest quality and ready to be treasured.
Backers also gain access to digital and physical editions, limited-edition Raw Wool Company skeins spun specifically for this campaign from my very own sheep, exclusive farm experiences, and recognition as supporters of British wool and sustainable craft.
Thank you for helping me bring “As the Sheep Intended” to life. Every pledge supports British wool, young British farmers, sustainable practices, and timeless, wearable design. Together, we can enjoy the natural colours and textures — just as the sheep intended.
In the pages of this book you will find-
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The collection of 14 knitting patterns and instructions that suit all genders and non-genders, including jumpers, cardigans, ganseys, and accessories. All patterns are for adult sizing and are not gender specific, with a size range between: 80-160cm chest.
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Words and articles exploring farm to fibre, with a focus on sustainability and celebrating the farmers and sheep
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Photography of the wind-swept coast and landscapes of Cornwall, and of course the sheep themselves.
Further inspiration
There is a feeling that builds up within you in Cornwall, when you walk along the rugged, salt-swept coast, when the mizzle breaks over a thunderous ocean and the sun finally hits your face. The wool wraps me up as I know the story of the yarn from farm to fleece and then into my hands. That feeling is knitted into every stitch and every yarn I choose, and with this book I hope you will carry on the next chapter of this story.
Cornwall is rich with knitting history and folklore, the “Ganseys” and “Knit frocks” of the past, the sea shanties of shipwrecks, love and life. I cannot help but be inspired by what is around me. Just as the gansey patterns were inspired by the landscape and culture at the time, I draw this into my designs, a nod to honouring the heritage but with a timeless and contemporary silhouette to suit all genders and non-genders. Just simply garments for all.
Who am I?
I’m Anton Belmonte, founder of Raw Wool Company based in Cornwall, at the very south of the UK. I work with British sheep breeds, primarily my own flock of Wensleydale longwools and work alongside other young farmers to help them produce the most beautiful fleece in the most magnificent colours.
At Raw Wool Company, I focus on celebrating natural wool, supporting young British farmers, and preserving the fibres that make our craft unique. Everything we do from the fleece to the finished yarn is rooted in respect for the sheep themselves, the land, and the hands that go into making it.
After taking over the flock of Wensleydales from my mother Juli, who sadly passed away in 2020, I sought about completing the 15 year mission of honouring the natural colours our sheep produced. This has then expanded into Raw Wool becoming what it is today, supporting other local young farmers and producing a full colour range of natural undyed yarns that commemorate British breeds.
This led me to design garments that showcase the amazing textures and colours of undyed yarns in timeless designs to suit all. To share the story with others, I have been running immersive knitting retreats, taking attendees on the journey of farm to fibre and deep diving into Gansey-making workshops to give everyone the insight and understanding of what it truly takes to create the yarn we use directly from the farm. Creating the book “As The Sheep Intended” is my way of sharing my knowledge, passion and love for these fibres in designs that will hopefully last forever, and a book is the perfect way to create something lasting.