Hirzel is a smalllvillage high above the lake of ZUrich, surrounded by rolling hills with, often, at the very top a linden tree that glows with the beautiful colours of autumn - this is the home of Siidegarte, our yarn hand-dyeing The silk yarn that we use is part of a long-standing tradition in Switzerland, especially in the area around Hirzel and Zurich. From the 18th to the early 20th century, this region was an important centre for silk trading and silk processing. During its period of prosperity there were more than 12'000 families that made a living out of silk.
We put in much love and care hand-dyeing the yarn that is spun by a family-run company at the Lake Lucerne. We then send that yarn out into the world - a tiny piece of Switzerland - for knitters to create precious and unique items.
We have now invited knitters to the heart of Switzerland, to the Swiss Wulle Festival in Zug. To celebrate this, we have asked designer friends in France, Holland, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland and England to create a shawl or accessory using our yarn. They will all meet at the Festival, to enjoy the weekend together.
The designs are inspired by the beauty of the Swiss scenery in autumn, and especially by the little town of Zug with its cobbled streets and timbered houses.
With this collection of designs made of Siidegarte yarn we celebrate our love of yarn and of the craft as well as our joy at being at this special location where the Festival is being held. The book invites you all to take part in this joy and to create something new and lucious.