No 4. Handknitted cardigan from Izzy Lane

Exclusive to SR Collection is this azure blue cardigan from Izzy Lane. It is hand knitted in the Yorkshire Dales in wool from the Wensleydale breed of sheep. This wool provides a particularly luxurious fibre. It contains no kemp, which are the coarse, itchy fibres found in other types of wool. This means that it can be worn against the skin.

A network of ladies across the Dales provide the hand knitting skills that go into Izzy Lane knitwear, and the wool is spun and dyed locally. This cardigan may be made in Small, Medium and Extra Large sizes, 42", 44" and 46" chests, and is priced at £295.

The provenance of the wool and its fleece may be traced back to the flock kept by Izzy Lane. The Wensleydale is now an exceptionally rare breed, which produces a long curly fleece. Also kept by Izzy Lane is another rare breed, the Shetland, which, contrary to the reputation created by widespread sale of coarse Shetland knitwear, produces a very fine fibre.

All of the sheep here have been saved from meat markets and will live out their lives on the farm, providing wool for the ethical garments produced under the Izzy Lane label.