The wool for my wall hangings comes exclusively from Dutch sheep, specifically from the region around Soest, where I live. Knowing and seeing the source of my materials ensures that my products are honest and valuable.

A few of these addresses:

Ester, shepherd

Ester Floor of Schaapskudde Utrechtse Heuvelrug, under Floor Landschapsbeheer, manages approximately 250 sheep that graze on Soestdijk Palace grounds and nearby heathlands to Lage Vuursche.

Her breeds, including Veluwe, Kempen, Drenthe, and Ouessant Heath sheep, offer unique and beautiful wool. For Ester, shepherding is a way of life, with her sheep treated like family. I primarily obtain white wool from her flock, both short and long-haired. www.floorlandschapsbeheer.nl

Piet, shearer

Piet van Bethlehem, a sheep shearer, works at the Paardenkamp Foundation, where my studio is located. I’ve known Piet since childhood when he trimmed my pony’s hooves at my grandparents’ farm.

Piet shears various sheep breeds within a few kilometers of Soest, including white Drenthe heath sheep and brown and black Ouessant sheep. Occasionally, he even shears wool from Herman van Veen’s sheep.

Coby, farmer

Coby, from a neighboring village of Soest, cares for her cherished Coburger Fuchs sheep on her farm. These sheep are not just animals to her; they are her source of joy and the essence of her life. With a deep bond, Coby interacts with her sheep daily, taking them for walks through the village, knowing each one intimately. While they may not cozy up to me, Coby’s sheep eagerly seek her affection. The Coburger Fuchs breed boasts a charming ecru hue with a short coat of light brown hair.

José, shepherd

José is the owner of the Treeker Wissel sheep herd. Her sheep graze in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug region, and mainly in the nature reserves between Den Treek and the Leusderheide. At José I mainly buy the coats of the Veluws Kemp cross Solognote. This is a short-haired ecru colored wool. www.treekerwissel.nl

Schaapskudde Blaricum

At Schaapskudde Blaricum you will mainly find Drenthe heath sheep. This wool has very long tufts. The herd grazes the Goois nature reserve. The flock has an important task, the sheep ensure that the heath is maintained. They graze the grasses between the heather plants and ensure the dispersal of seeds with their fur. During the shearing festival, the sheep are mainly clipped by hand. www.gnr.nl

Here you can read why it is so important to use local Dutch sheepwool instead of wool from Australia or other places far away.