photo by Tom Grotta
We vacationed in Maine last month and included one fiber-related stop in our itinerary. Just up Route 1 from Camden is the headquarters of Swans Island Blankets. Twenty years ago, John and Carolyn Grace moved to Swans Island, off the Maine coast, to make blankets from the wool of hardy island sheep.
photo by Tom Grotta
The new setting (since 2003) in Northport is idyllic, the sheep there are welcoming and the beautiful handwoven summer- and winter-weight blankets and scarves are artfully displayed. Swans Island is a recipient of a Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft. The wool is hand dyed, using only natural materials; all weaving and finishing is completed on site — though most of the sheep remain on the Island.
photo by Tom Grotta
The rare wool and equinox blankets are made from wool of naturally brown and black sheep. The blankets, throws and scarves are trimmed in silk. You can view the works online http://www.swansislandblankets.com/— and don’t miss an opportunity to visit.