The big knit!

Over the weekend of the Keswick Mountain Festival, Nurture ­Lakeland launched the Big Knit. Local willow artist, Phil Bradley, weaved us a beautiful life size Herdwick sheep who was in desperate need of a new fleece! Nurture Lakeland set out on the mission to knit Joseph (the sheep) a brand new technicolour dream-fleece with the help of members of the public.

On the run up to the Keswick Mountain Festival weekend, Nurture Lakeland invited knitters rom far and wide to help us knit a Herdwick. From knitting know-hows to knitting-newbies, we called all knitters to join our Big Knit. Knitted patches came pouring through our front door and any people came forward wanting to help out at the event over the weekend.

We had knitting volunteers, passer-bys and extreme knitters taking part, all in the good name of the Herdy Fund. Once Joseph has his new fleece with a little help from his friends, he is going on tour across Cumbria raising money and awareness of the fantastic fund set up to offer support and grants to upland farming communities involved in the conservation of the Herdwick sheep. The Herdy fund is important because it is dedicated to preserving Cumbrian culture and rural upland lifestyle.

It is hoped that Joseph will also be seen at many other ocal events, including Woolfest, inviting knitters of all walks of life to take part. Watch this space for the latest news… If you are interesting in taking part in Nurture’s Big Knit, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to keep in the loop.

Nurture Lakeland would like to thank Eden Arts for their support; the Herdy Company for the beautiful Herdwick wool they donated and Keswick Mountain Festival for allowing Joseph to graze in the sunshine. And of course, many thanks to all our knitters who took part.