Resting between the villages Le Somail and Sallèles d'Aude in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France is a beautiful green barge called Ragondin. Inside is a 12 shaft Louet Spring 2 parallel countermarch floor loom, an Ashford 8 shaft table loom, and a small Mirrix tapestry loom.
It is in this quiet countryside setting that each Vieille Abeille creation is carefully handwoven; surrounded by the cat Tully and chickens Arwen, Penny, and Renny. Vieille Abeille means Old Bee in French, which suits me well.
Nothing is ever rushed.
Weaving is a soothing and meditative process, and this calm pace and peaceful environment seeps into the creations by allowing perfectionism to flourish and attention be given to detail.
Quality is never an accident.
It is always the result of intelligent effort.
Ruskin
I use 100% pure wool sourced from rural farm flocks either in Arles and the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France, or else from the Central Massif.
I often like to weave with undyed wool, allowing the subtle and beautiful shades of sheep fleece variations to show. Some of the colourful wools use a 30% mix of dyed French angora, where this is used it will be clearly marked on the item description.
On certain items of clothing and cushions I use flax (lin) entirely grown and spun in Northern France. Again, it is clearly marked when a creation uses flax and I'm quite proud of this robust and pretty yarn.
My candles are made with pure beeswax. No additives, no perfumes or scents, just the smell of honey. I buy the wax in bulk from a French cooperative which in turn sources the wax from small French beekeepers.
In my early creating days I had a dilemma between cost and quality, as most creators do. I decided to pay more for my materials, only ever use 100% French raw products, and make things of the very highest quality that I am able.
Items are made slowly, carefully, and made to last. Please be patient with low stock levels and long waits for bespoke pieces.