This Golden Fleece

A Journey Through Britain’s Knitting History

Over the course of a year, Esther Rutter – who grew up on a sheep farm in Suffolk, and learned to spin, weave and knit as a child – travels the length of the British Isles, to tell the story of wool’s long history here.

She unearths fascinating histories of communities whose lives were shaped by wool, from the mill workers of the Border countries, to the English market towns built on profits of the wool trade, and the Highland communities cleared for sheep farming; and finds tradition and innovation intermingling in today’s knitwear industries. Along the way, she explores wool’s rich culture by knitting and crafting culturally significant garments from our history – among them gloves, a scarf, a baby blanket, socks and a fisherman’s jumper – reminding us of the value of craft and our intimate relationship with wool.

This Golden Fleece is at once a meditation on the craft and history of knitting, and a fascinating exploration of wool’s influence on our landscape, history and culture.

Reviews for Esther Rutter and This Golden Fleece:

‘It is the mark of a good writer that they can communicate their own fascination, and maybe even spread it, and this debut book marks her out as a writer worth following’ — Books from Scotland

‘A likable guide with a good eye for a story’ (Kathryn Hughes, The Guardian)

‘Full of fascinating facts [and] captivating stories’ (Susan Flockhart, The Herald)

You don’t have to be a knitter to enjoy this wondrous book, although as one, I did smile through most of its pages.’ – BBC Countryfile