Swans Island Blankets
Filed under: Decor
.jpg){kind=spacer}
On a little island called Nash, off the Maine coast, a flock of sheep lives undisturbed, except in June when weavers from Swans Island Blankets come by lobster boat to gather some wool. This year's shearing produced 420 pounds of wool, enough for a year's worth of weaving.Swans Island started in the early '90s when a pair of lawyers, John and Carolyn Grace, decided to move to Maine, meet some sheep farmers and get weaving. What developed was a company that has produced hand-woven blankets significant enough to warrant a Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft in 1996. Weavers work in an 18th century farmhouse making blankets for summer and winter. Recently, the group started weaving scarves, wraps, throws and pillows, too.
I'm a complete sucker for age-old craftmanship. Add the free-roaming sheep, rustic farmhouse and beyond-cozy blankets, and this company is every New Englander's dream.
The king-sized version of the winter blanket at right retails for $1,125. Everything Swans Island makes can be custom ordered and monogrammed in a hand-done cross stitch.
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Live from Microsoft's New Generation Xbox event!
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Xbox Reveal liveblog on Joystiq
Dozens Killed in Oklahoma Tornado; Death Toll to Rise
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
Justin Bieber Booed, Gets Standing Ovation at Billboard Music Awards
2013 Billboard Music Awards Best and Worst Dressed
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
Watch: Kansas Meteorologist Seeks Shelter From Tornado
Xbox One architecture panel liveblog!
Who Won 'DWTS'?
Two Pilots Fired After Brazilian Pop Star Takes Captain's Seat Mid-Flight
PHOTOS: This Is The Best Response To Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries We've Seen Yet
Selena Gomez Leaving Justin Bieber's House: Booty Call Rumors Swirl
Rescuers Continue Search For Tornado Survivors
The World's Most Powerful Women
PHOTOS: Christie Brinkley Gets Back Into A Swimsuit At 59 Years Old
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
U.S. Acknowledges Four American Citizens Killed In Drone Strikes
NY Times Eviscerates Obama White House
Help For Heroes Killing
60 Minutes Makes All The Difference For $360 Million Jackpot
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
15 Incredible Cat Photobombs
White Father Allegedly Suspected Of Kidnapping Biracial Daughters
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Grossed Out Student Finds "Worm" In His McMuffin
Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Put Their Romance On Display
Tara Ellison: Why I Gave A Toast At My Ex-Husband's Wedding