AROUND 1,000 visitors last weekend enjoyed an exhibition of products made by local artisans using fleeces from sheep grazing the Dartmoor commons.

The exhibition at Duchy Square, Princetown, showcased Dartmoor tweed and checked throws, both woven by Bovey Handloom Weavers. The tweed has been made up into jackets, waistcoats, hats, ties, cushions, throws and handbags by many talented volunteer craftspeople.

One item that attracted a lot of attention was a stylish lady's suit, with coat tails and shorts, made by Liz Moier.

All kinds of knitted and felted products, including hats, ponchos and dog jackets were also on display, as well as a stunning wool seat covered in a belted Galloway hide.

There were demonstrations of sheep shearing, spinning, weaving, crocheting and needle felting and visitors could try their hand at felting, crocheting and weaving on a peg loom.

Volunteer Jillian Morris, who made many of the products and runs her own weaving workshops, said: 'The quality of the knitting wool, particularly the worsted, has exceeded my expectations – it's been a real pleasure helping with the project.'

Photographers Stacey Mitchell and Rachel Gardener were also on hand with images they have taken of the wool at all stages of processing.

Their vivid and striking photos of the beautiful range of coloured weaving yarns produced for the project by the Natural Fibre Company were a particular success.

The story of the Dartmoor fleece, from shearing to showcase, was told, including the challenges facing hill farmers in adding value to a wonderful natural resource.

Fleeces from most of the breeds that graze the commons are worth very little, but the costs of processing and crafting in this country are high compared with other parts of the world, making British wool products quite expensive.

However, the demand for Dartmoor made products is high and many visitors were keen to see more Dartmoor products in local outlets.

The exhibition attracted a lot of farmers and smallholders, as well as spinners, weavers and knitters, all keen to explore the possibilities for making better use of local Dartmoor wool.

'Moor Wool' is a pilot project involving a group of farmers and artisans looking to add value to local fleece. It is being led by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, with support from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund.