Q&A with Kim Stead from Twool

Brintons are proud to be British wool's single biggest user, and work closely with organisations and like minded brands to raise awareness about the unique, natural and sustainable benefits offered by wool.

As it's Wool Week we caught up with Kim Stead (AKA "Mrs Twool") and asked her more about her business  'Twool'....

What is Twool?

Sustainable garden twine, woolly bags, hats and dog leads made from the wool of rare-breed Whiteface Dartmoor sheep using British heritage manufacturing.

Where did the idea come from?

The origins of twool start with the frustration of rotting jute twine on raspberry canes in our Dartmoor facing garden. There are 27 million gardeners in the UK and we import over 3000 tonnes of jute in from Asia every year. Wool is an under-used natural resource and was a natural choice for developing a sustainable and ethically responsible all British garden twine.

Why is the rare breed Whiteface Dartmoor sheep important?

This rare-breed has been on the moor since Anglo-Saxon times. They're a big sheep, make good mothers and the most glorious long 'lustre' wool fleece. Declining numbers saw breeding ewes fall to under 1000. Making a use for the wool and a route to market for the farmers, twool hope to be a part of the story of the future for the Whiteface Dartmoor.

What has been your favourite ‘Twool’ moment so far?

It's been a rollercoaster sort of journey, but the highs include our first ever RHS Chelsea Flower Show back in 2013 when, in our inaugural year, we were made finalists for Chelsea Garden Product of the Year. The reality of making the twine and the recognition of others acknowledging the product is something that I will never forget. I'm so proud, because we had the backing and sponsorship of the British Wool Marketing Board and brands like Brintons showcased on our stand too!

What made you choose Brintons?

Fabulous wool carpets! The quality of Brintons, it's history of working with wool and the synergy between their working ethos and ours made them the natural choice when looking for carpets. We've been so lucky and proud that Brintons have sponsored our show stands by supplying gorgeous carpets that complement our product range so perfectly – they really do finish our stand to the highest of standards.

Which is your favourite room in your own home?

Woolly HQ – it's where all the ideas are generated and being able to work at home on Dartmoor is inspiration in itself.

Explain your interiors style to us.

Wool, wood and natural fibres, usually inspired by the natural surrounding of living on Dartmoor.