MeiSian
Knitwear and Woven’s Clothing Brand
Meinir and Sian started MeiSian to produce high quality garments using locally produced wool from the Lleyn Peninsula, which is situated on the west coast of North Wales. Meinir is a farmer who also has a knitting and wool business and Sian has her own business as a seamstress. Together they have the expertise and knowledge of both wool and designing clothes. The main aim of the business is to add value to wool produced on Meinir’s farm which is essentially worthless in the current climate.
Unlike fast fashion garments and as wool is a durable fibre, a repair service is offered to ensure the clothing lasts the test of time. Wool is the perfect material for durable working jumpers for farming and other outdoor activities as it is not only warm, but also keeps moisture out.
What is so amazing about working with British wool? Our wool is produced on the family farm and other local farms on the Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales therefore fully traceable. The wool is slightly different each year therefore we are able to produce an unique blend each year.
If any/ what have been your challenges with working with British wool and a local way of working? As we are able to use our own wool, availability is not an issue. Out main challenge is finding a local mill to the business, the closest being near Aberystwyth which is around 90 miles away.
What gauge of Knitwear do you sell? i.e fine gauge 10-12gg or more chunky knits such as 7-5gg? All gauges are produced and sold, all wool is produced in North Wales.
What weaving looms do you use and how many do you have? We have one of each of Saori, Ashford Knitter’s Loom Gliminka weaving looms.
Do you finish onsite? If not, is it convenient or what would be your ideal situation? Yes all products are finished in house.
Do you find a lot of push back in the industry in terms of working with British wool? No, we only work with local wool. Our customers are happy that the wool is local to our area, it is our unique selling point.
Do you find that customers are becoming more interested in British wool? Our customers are very interested in the full traceability story of our wool. We produced a storytelling board showing the wool’s journey from the sheep on the farm to the end product i.e. clothing and knitting wool.
On a scale of 1- 10 (1 being the lowest and 10 excellent) how much do you think your business has improved in the below areas as a result of good working practices and environmental standards?
Waste Production - 10 (off-cuts, production)
Plastic Pollution - 10 (packaging)
Water Wastage - 10 (dyeing and finishing)
Energy Consumption - 10 (shipping, machinery etc)
Do you have any hero farmers or people in your supply chain you would like to highlight? Meinir’s family are the hero farmers who look after the sheep year round to ensure the wool is of high standard.