Fairisle pattern Castlemilk moorit beanie hat

The pretty little Castlemilk Moorit sheep is one of the British Rare Breeds that I am proud to support. The gorgeous toffee brown colour of this hat is not achieved with dyes; it is the natural colour of the soft wool from which it is made.

I have knitted a Fairisle style pattern in turquoise Exmoor Horn wool, which gives a lovely contrast to the brown. The deep ribbed welt can be turned back for an extra cosy layer over your ears. The sweet little "Roses Workshop" brand label is laser etched faux leather.

It is hand-knitted "in-the-round" so there are no ugly or uncomfortable seams. To fit average adult head size 55-60cm (21.5-23 inches) and slightly stretchy for a comfortable fit.

Hand-washing is best to keep pure wool in top condition, but if your machine has a cool/ gentle/ wool setting then that works too!

Other beanies, berets and hats are available in my shop: Beanies & Berets

History of the Castlemilk Moorit sheep.

In the early part of the twentieth century, the late Sir Jock Buchanan-Jardine began a breeding programme on his Castlemilk Estate in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
Using Manx Loaghtan, moorit Shetland and the wild Mouflon he developed a breed specifically to beautify his parkland and provide fine, kemp free moorit coloured wool to clothe his workers.

Following his death in 1970 the flock was mostly culled. However, a few ewes and two rams were saved in two small groups. All today’s Castlemilk Moorits are descended from these two groups.

The RBST lists the breed as "vulnerable", (500 - 900 animals).