We are delighted to welcome a new spring/summer yarn into our collection! Bohème is a light sport weight made of 65% Asian cotton and 35% French linen from Normandy. Very soft and with a lots of drape, this yarn will knit beautifully as a light top or as a cardigan. It is also machine washable up to 40° so very easy to care for. Both linen and cotton are extremely breathable, meaning that they have the ability to absorb moisture and draw it away from the skin. This helps with keeping cool and limiting the development of bacteria. You can see why linen and cotton are considered the ultimate summer fibres!
Also known as the filature de Rougnat, Fonty was founded in 1880 and it is today one of the oldest and last French mills still in use. It is located in the Creuse, a part of the country historically known for its textile industry and the breeding of livestock. In 2017 it was accredited with the EPV label, an accreditation given by the French government to companies within the manufacturing sector in recognition of their expertise, technical knowledge and high level of craftsmanship.
From scouring to ball winding, Fonty oversees every aspect of the manufacturing process using machines built in between the 1950’s and the 1980’s – the industrial golden age of the Creuse. Their dyeing workshop has developed a colour library of several thousands recipes – all carefully recorded so they can be adapted to different fibre content. Today their 141 years of expertise is used in the manufacturing of their own yarns as well as developing bases for their clients which include knitting brands, clothing labels, craftsmen and farmers. One of which you’re very familiar with; our beloved De Rerum Natura.
For Fonty spinning yarn is as much about preserving their heritage as it is about looking toward the future, by adapting their approach toward further sustainability and transparency. The mill uses a phyto-purification system to filter their water waste. Their dyes are REACH compliant and use a minimal amount of chemicals. The steam produced by the dyeing workshop is captured and reused to heat up the whole mill. Protecting farming communities, locally and abroad, is also at the heart of their mission. Raw materials are bought via fair trade partnerships in Portugal, Mongolia, South America and of course, France. Whenever possible priority is given to local suppliers to insure shorter loops of production. The project Laines Locales created in collaboration with Lainamac and Terrade aims to develop new yarns using fleeces sourced in the Creuse and the neighbouring regions. One of the outcome is Fonty’s newest yarn, 1880, a base made from 100% Île-de-France wool sourced from flocks located within 30km from the mills.
We hope this little dive into Fonty’s history has made you want to try Bohème! Click to see our beautiful selection of 22 colourways.
Until Next Time… Happy Knitting!
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