Wonder of Wool: A Knitter's Guide to Pure Breed Sheep, Justine Lee, Jess Morency

The Wonder of Wool is a richly illustrated ode to Britain’s ancient sheep breeds and their distinctive fibres, guiding knitters and fibre‑lovers through heritage and craft with warmth and depth. Justine Lee journeys across 30 of the most ‘knittable’ breeds, unraveling their history, habitats and fleece characteristics before each stitch hits the needle. The book also includes 10 exclusive knitting patterns—crafted in collaboration with British farmers—which celebrate the unique qualities of each breed’s wool: from sturdy mountain yarns to soft, cashmere‑like fibres.

Complementing these patterns is a visual feast: portrait‑style black‑and‑white photography captures sheep in situ, while pattern diagrams and practical notes ground the designs. As provenance and sustainability become essential to craft communities, this volume feels timely and authoritative—offering not just patterns, but a manifesto for slow, place‑based knitting.

About the Author
Justine Lee is a British knitwear designer and founder of Ossian Studio, with over three decades designing for high‑end brands and a deep commitment to sustainable wool sourcing. In this book, she combines technical expertise with conservation storytelling, spotlighting rare breeds and small farms.

Jess Morency, a Dorset‑based journalist and editor, brings narrative finesse and contextual clarity to the text, weaving together ecological insight, pattern instruction, and visual storytelling into a cohesive whole.

Publication date: 2025
Publisher: David and Charles
Pages: 144
ISBN: 9781446315453