Barbara Bennett aka Whimsy
Wool Dyer and Spinner
Proud to be a partner of
The Campaign For Wool NZ
In the past 18 months I've learnt how to spin, dye and knit wool, in that order. And I'm now addicted. It's in my genes as Grandma was a founding member of the Taieri Spinners Club and my sister has always been involved in Creative Fibre. I'm from a sheep farm near Balclutha where Dad ran Romney sheep on for forty years.
I love over-dyeing Romney into vibrant solid colours and hand painting Merino Combed Top with protein dyes. I then combine these by spinning and plying to make unique yarns that are a joy to knit with. I'm a beginner knitter but I'd rather spend the time spinning than knitting.
If you are interested in learning more about spinning please visit me in my studio to pick my brain. I wholly recommend spinning as a calming meditative hobby. Unlike me, you don't have to try and monetise it! I just can't help myself (still putting off a real job).
HAND PAINTED NZ MERINO COMBED TOP 100G
Gorgeous soft Central Otago Merino combed and free of vegetable matter. Hand dyed and steamed. Washed to remove any excess dye. 19 microns.
Buy Now at;
Pea Sea Art
The Felt Princess
Whimsy Studio
HAND PAINTED NZ CORRIEDALE COMBED TOP 100G
Gorgeous soft North Island Corriedale combed and free of vegetable matter. Hand dyed and steamed. Washed to remove any excess dye. 27 microns.
Buy Now at;
Pea Sea Art
The Felt Princess
Whimsy Studio
HAND DYED NZ ROMNEY FIBRE ROVING 100G
Soft Central Otago Romney protein dyed into vibrant saturated solid colours. 33 microns.
Buy Now at;
The Felt Princess
Whimsy Studio
HAND DYED FADE SET RECYCLED MERINO MILL SPUN 250G 8PLY
This soft Woollen spun recycled yarn uses end of run dyed and natural fibres to create a multi coloured yarn. It is then small batch dyed in my garage to produce a one of a kind shade, in a fade. The set is then washed and packaged in a kraft box.
Buy Now at;
Whimsy Studio
HAND DYED HAND SPUN NZ WOOL YARN
An ever changing selection of unique skeins of yarn in the shed.
Buy Now at;
Pea Sea Art
Whimsy Studio
The Felt Princess
Whimsy Studio