Collection: Tania Etwell

I grew up on a sheep farm just outside Timaru, South Canterbury, during a time when the commercial wool industry thrived. My childhood memories are filled with riding on the tractor with my dad on frosty mornings, wearing mittens my nan had knitted, the lively activity around the shearing shed, the noise, the smell, and my mum’s home-baked goodies with a big pot of tea for the workers at smoko. Sheep and wool are truly in my blood.

Now based in Tuahiwi in the Waimakariri District, I have a couple of acres, just enough for a small flock of homebred Gotland pet sheep. Every spring, they give me beautiful fleeces to create wonderful things. I also source fleeces from other breeders here and there.

My journey with wool began early; my mother taught me to knit when I was six years old, and I started spinning at 14. At 18, I attended Aoraki Polytech and completed a one-year fibre art course, followed by a diploma in fashion and design at Christchurch Polytech when I was 20.

To me, handspun garments have always represented wholesomeness, warmth, and love. My goal is to honour the ancient fibre crafts and provide products that are not readily available in modern stores today.

Each piece takes many hours to create, but I feel privileged to make a one-of-a-kind item to be enjoyed and admired for years. It's definitely a labour of love and my happy place.

Follow me on facebook:  Wool to Live