Hillesvåg

Tinde illustrates this character well. The breed's naturally grey fleece contains light and dark fibres, which give dyed shades depth and a gently varied appearance. The resulting yarn has a sheen and airy surface that deserve attention when comparing it with more uniformly coloured wool.

Four generations of wool processing

The mill traces its roots to 1898, when Mikkel Myhr established a factory beside a stream that could power the machinery. Local farmers brought their wool by boat and exchanged it for goods. Early production included knitting yarn, weaving yarn and wool textiles.

Hillesvåg describes itself today as a fourth generation family business. Its history helps explain the close relationship between the mill and Norwegian wool: processing fleece is the foundation of the business, rather than simply a theme for a finished yarn collection.

Preserving the character of the wool

For a Hillesvåg project, look at the particular wool and the intended fabric. An airy strand, a visible halo and the underlying grey fibres can influence colourwork, surface texture and the way a garment feels. A smooth superwash merino may achieve a similar gauge but give the design a different finish.

If felting is part of the pattern, choose a substitute with suitable felting properties and test a small sample first. For garments that should retain their size, follow the individual yarn's care instructions. Tinde's guidance recommends gentle hand washing and drying flat. Measure a washed swatch when calculating fit, and compare both gauge and texture before treating two yarns as interchangeable.