Ribbons, Rivalries & Rolling Hills
Celebrating British Farming Day!
Today is British Farming Day, a wonderful reminder of the dedication, skill, and care that goes into everything from our fields and gardens to our flocks and kitchens. It’s a chance to celebrate the farmers, families, and communities who work tirelessly to produce the food, wool, and produce we love.
It feels particularly fitting as we reflect on our show preparations, Cheviots, and seasonal baking – every jam, loaf, flower, and ribbon is part of the bigger story of British farming, connecting us to the land and the seasons.
Anderson boys watching the sheep get gathered for 2025 show selection.
Behind the Scenes: Show Preparations
While the ribbons and baking are the visible highlights, there’s always a quieter side to life at home: the careful work that goes into preparing for the shows. From planning what to grow and bake to tending the animals, these small, steady efforts are what set us up for success.
Neil, trimming the fleece, in preparations for her colouring- ready for show day.
It’s all part of the rhythm that keeps us moving forward, especially as we gear up for the Cheviot Sheep Society Ram Show & Sale on October 13th – a huge fixture in our farming calendar. There’ll be a post all about this event too, but suffice to say, every jam, loaf, plant, and Cheviot contributes to getting ready for that busy, exciting time.
A Sweet Rivalry
The jam tables are always a highlight, and I went in with high hopes of toppling ‘Marie Berry’ in her stronghold section. Alas, not this time – Granny Marie held her ground in the jam categories. But all was not lost! My sister swooped in and snapped up first place in the rhubarb jams and jelly class, so the family banner still flew proudly, well done Gemma, don’t forget I still need that recipe.
And while Granny Marie kept her crown in jam, I had my sweet revenge elsewhere – the banana loaf section! A quiet but joyful rivalry, our back-and-forth brings so much fun, and keeps the whole family wondering: “who’s going to beat Granny this year, and in which section?” It’s much to even the committees delight that I heard a squeal “she’s bet her in the banana loaf this year!” as I entered the industrial tent to check over the entires.
Victory tasted sweet!
We celebrated with a coffee and a fizz with a slice of cake and scone -watching the pipe band at the show.
The tiger who came to tea with thanks to Magnus & my strive to be a ‘fun mum’.
Green Fingers & Blooms
Second- to a florist in the hand tied cut flowers bouquet section, I’m more than happy with this placing.
Beyond the baking, I was thrilled to scoop up firsts in both the pot plants and cut flowers categories. There’s something particularly satisfying about seeing the garden’s hard work recognised – especially when the blooms stand so proudly on the show bench. I didn’t have as much as I’d have liked due to the weather and also I’ve been pruning my garden a lot for special bouquets for valley folks in the recent months, to remember dearly passed friends.
Wool & Textiles
Not every year can bring a ticket or a ribbon, and I came away empty-handed in the wool and textiles section this time; But the hard work with our Cheviots more than made up for it. We were delighted to swoop up a few ribbons – two thirds for our ewes – and best of all, a first for our tup lamb sired by, last years purchase at Lockerbie ram sale, Crossdykes Unwin.
A red ribbon for Woodburnhaugh, tup lamb, First at Roberton Show under Judge: Tommy Atchison, North Shortcleuch.
A proud moment and a real reward for the time and effort that goes into caring for the flock, mostly with thanks to my husband Neil and his eye for a good Cheviot. We were in great company on the day with the Champion being placed from none other than the Skelfhill crew with the reserve champion being placed to J T Fleming & Son. If you’re in the circle of these breeders you’ll know already we done well to place in amongst the likes of these champions. Neil’s brother Ross was also showing under the Alemoor prefix on the day and he was winning plenty reds across his selection of ewes too.
1st Skelfhilll, 2nd Alemoor, 3rd Woodburnhaugh- this is the class we placed 3rd in with our ewe.
Cheviot Walks & Woolly Thoughts
The Cheviots have been showing off their late-summer beauty: rolling hills fading into purple heather, sheep grazing quietly, and skies that can turn from golden to stormy in a breath. Each walk brings its own reward – whether it’s the sweeping views, the bracing air, or the chance to spot buzzards wheeling above.
And with autumn around the corner, my thoughts are naturally turning to wool: warm jumpers, soft scarves, and the cosy comforts that connect the landscape to home. I just love Autumn and all the ‘ber’ months. It may be my busiest time but it brings a great sense of connection and community that I don’t get throughout the year. I love when people buy a gift or speak to me at an event or compliment a wreath workshop they attend; It truly brings me such joy!
Workshop Progress
It’s up!
After much measuring, lifting, and levelling, the workshop frame is finally complete and set in concrete.
It already feels like a milestone, seeing it standing proud against the skyline. With the tin arriving this week, we’re looking forward to the next stage – it’s slowly but surely becoming real- Double the space!
A Feathered Surprise
Of course, it wouldn’t be us without an unexpected addition to the family. We’re welcoming a flock of hens from a retiring farmer – the same one the boys love to visit on library bus day at our local village hall.
“HOW MANY did you agree to?”
We’ve already been on an adventure to collect everything needed for their new home: the materials for the chicken run & a coop kindly passed on by someone who no longer needed it; It’s absolutely perfect for the job.
In the meantime, the boys have been in full rehearsal mode – playing endless rounds of “cock-a-doo-doo” and collecting pretend eggs – all while we await the hens’ grand arrival. If you keep an eye on my socials as that’s where I’ll post about their grand arrival!
There’s a lovely rhythm to this time of year: gather, bake, walk, repeat. It’s a reminder that the simplest things – a slice of jam and toast, a tray of scones, a stomp across the hills or a jump in a puddle– are often the sweetest moments.
Limited Edition Lambswool Collection
On top of all the seasonal hustle, I’ve been working on something exciting: my new limited edition Lambswool collection. I’ve just had the photoshoot, and I’m thrilled with how it’s turned out.
I knew I’d picked the best photographer (Ryan pictured) and content creator (Nicola) to match my immaculate vibes on my shoot!
As always, my collections follow a “waste not” ethos, using up pre-consumer waste to create beautiful, cosy pieces that are sustainable and unique. Each colour group has been knitted into small batch scarves there’s less than 10 of each scarf! They are perfect for layering through the autumn months.
If you’d like to snap up a piece before it’s gone, you can view the full collection now. These pieces won’t be around for long, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy something special while supporting mindful, sustainable fashion.
POSTCARD
I even squeezed in a Nice trip to the south of France whilst I waited on some yarn to be delivered and enjoyed many a glass of the finest Rosé wine Provenance has to offer.
Bisous! x
And while all of this has been keeping us busy at home, there’s something exciting happening within my work too. An exciting collaboration has been, underway for a while now – but more on that in the next colourful blether issue. I honestly do not know how I’ve found the time for it all!
Coming Full Circle
On this #BackBritishFarmingDay, it feels good to celebrate the full circle of the land: caring for our Cheviots, collecting ribbons and creating treats for the shows, and turning pre-consumer Lambswool cones of yarn, into limited edition wearable knitwear, that are both beautiful and sustainable.
Three ways you can support farmers:
Look for the #redtractor on any produce bought in supermarkets.
Buy local at a farm shop or butchers
Support local makers and crafters in your area who are striving for sustainable circular business models like Loops of Colour. #Lookforthecrook
Farming, family, and creativity – it’s all connected, and it’s all part of the joy of this season! I truly think this is my life’s work and i’m so proud of this new collection more so than those I’ve launched before.
Looking ahead, the Cheviot Sheep Society Ram Show & Sale on October 13th promises to be another highlight of the year. Keep an eye out for my next issue where I’ll share all the preparations, and excitement from this major fixture in our calendar!
With love and loops,
