Arra Textiles Wool mats

From her studio near Banchory, Lucy Macdonald combines deep knowledge and respect for traditional weaving practices with the flair of natural instinct. ‘I see textiles as both a sensory and narrative medium,’ Lucy says: ‘My practice is driven by curiosity, care for materials and a desire to create work which invites a closer look.’

Her floor mats are a case in point: hand-woven from undyed Shetland wool, the colour of each mat comes from the natural colour of the sheep. Lucy hand processes and spins the wool herself to get the broad yarn, which lends the woven mats their characteristically chunky, sheepy character. We use them by our bed, and can personally vouch that having sheep’s wool under bare feet last thing at night and first thing in the morning is a truly wonderful way to end and start each day.

(nb: as with their animal forebears, the mats will felt slightly over time)