John started the Mill nineteen years ago, along with his wife Juliet. John Arbon Textiles is based on a very simple concept: a return to old-style textile manufacture by sustainably sourcing raw fibre locally, wherever possible, and converting it in the UK into high quality tops and yarns, rather than racking up air miles by chasing the cheapest available labour.
The Mill is situated in the heart of North Devon, where John and Juliet have made their home. The surrounding Exmoor landscape is an ever-changing vista of rolling moors, mossy wooded valleys and dramatic cliffs – all populated with a rich variety of local sheep breeds. As much as possible, John uses the fibre which is reared and sheared on this land. Whilst experimenting with different local breeds, he has found a few firm favourites, including Exmoor Blueface, a crossbreed of the Exmoor Horn and Blueface Leicester. This wonderfully bouncy fibre, with a hint of drape and lustre, is the staple ingredient in John’s signature Devonia yarn & tops range, and also Exmoor Sock 4ply. Zwartbles fibre is another favourite because of its long staple length and naturally dark brown colour. John makes a gradient Exmoor Zwartbles natural shade yarn, whilst also adding a dash to his Harvest Hues yarn & tops and Exmoor Sock ranges for a wonderful depth of tone.
Shop: John Arbon Textiles 19 Queen Street, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6AA
Mill: Fibre Harvest Unit 6, Hacche Lane Business Park, Pathfields Industrial Estate, South Molton, Devon EX36 3JB
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