OUR STORY

We’re one of a small handful of worsted spinning mills in the North of Devon, UK, and alongside our fleet of trusty, reclaimed vintage machinery, we make ethically sourced, fibre and yarn – most of the time with flocks who graze on our doorstep!

John Arbon, along with his wife Juliet, set up John Arbon Textiles in 2001, and in 2022, they passed on the woolly baton to Sonja and Helena, who are steering the company into even more exciting chapters, focusing on local wool, sustainable production and bringing exciting new blends to knitters, crocheters, spinners and crafters around the world.

Our beautiful North Devon surroundings always give us fresh inspiration. The surrounding Exmoor landscape is an ever-changing vista of rolling moors, mossy wooded valleys and dramatic cliffs – all populated with a rich variety of local sheep breeds. As much as possible, we use the fibre which is reared and sheared on this land. Our faithful band of reclaimed, vintage machines also never fail to inspire us, and we treat them as part of the family – quirks and all!

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO USE BRITISH WOOL

Sustainability and working as ethically as possible is incredibly important to us. As well as knowing the animals whose fleece we use, are treated respectfully and looked after well, we like to reduce our carbon footprint, so knowing that the fibre hasn’t travelled thousands of miles is huge.

We also like to show off what the UK, and especially Devon, has to offer when it comes to fibre. Whilst experimenting with different local breeds, we have found a few firm favourites, including Exmoor Blueface, a crossbreed of the Exmoor Horn and Blueface Leicester.

This wonderfully bouncy fibre, with a hint of drape and lustre, is the staple ingredient in our signature Devonia yarn & tops range, and also Exmoor Sock 4ply.

+44 (0)1769 579861
[email protected]
jarbon.com