From sheep to sweater: Beyond Radio presenter’s new book is a right good yarn

A Beyond Radio presenter and her husband have released their latest book exploring yarn production in Cumbria.

Beth and Steve Pipe's latest book is called ‘Cumbrian Yarn: The Wool That Binds The County’, and promises a fascinating history of yarn in Cumbria, how yarn and wool production and sheep rearing have been part of Cumbria’s history for centuries and their importance today with the revival of interest in knitting and other related crafts.

Beth hosts the regular Saturday afternoon show on Beyond Radio, 'Beth Across the Bay'.

In their latest book, the Pipes tell the story of yarn production and how the rearing of sheep have shaped the county of Cumbria, from ancient sheep breeds and farming methods impacting the landscape, to yarn production and garment manufacture shaping many local towns.

The book shows that in modern times, Cumbrian sheep are competing on the world stage with yarns from around the globe. Beth and Steve describe the breeds of sheep associated with Cumbria and the sheep farming life, and how sheep farming has shaped the landscape over the centuries, not least the old mills, but the industry also had an impact on local towns.

The authors also explore how the wools differ and the fleeces are obtained, how the fleeces are turned into yarns, long-established and modern-day spinning and dyeing, and in turn the traditional garments that they were used for, both work and leisure clothing, as well as other uses such as for carpets and beds.

British wool has been exported round the world since Roman times, and Cumbria’s trade hubs such as Barrow and Whitehaven played a vital role. Local knitting communities were also important, many of which have been revived today, along with historic knitting patterns, and today wool from Cumbria is facing new global challenges.

The book is available from Amberley Publishing to pre-order now, ahead of its release as a physical and digital copy on February 15.

Beth and Steve have released 'Brewers Loop', a Lake District beer guide, and ‘The Rivers of Cumbria’, highlighting the heritage, wildlife and locations of the best rivers in the county.

Read more: Beyond Radio presenter releases new Lake District beer guide with a twist

Beyond Radio presenter Beth Pipe releases book on 'The Rivers of Cumbria'