John Arbon Textiles' production concept is simple – a return to old style manufacturing, sourcing raw fibre (locally wherever possible) and converting it in Britain into high quality, luxury yarns and fibre tops, rather than racking up air miles by chasing the cheapest available labour.  

To help bring this to life they work closely with a wool agent who sources many of the beautiful fibres they make into tops and yarns at their Mil from selected farms enabling the agent to know the farmers he works with and their sheep farming techniques.  

The Mill is situated in the heart of North Devon. The surrounding Exmoor landscape is an ever-changing vista of rolling moors, mossy wooded valleys and dramatic cliffs – all populated with a rich variety of local sheep breeds. As much as possible, they use the fibre which is reared and sheared on this land.  Whilst experimenting with different local breeds, they have found a few firm favourites, including Exmoor Blueface, a crossbreed of the Exmoor Horn and Blueface Leicester. This wonderfully bouncy fibre, with a hint of drape and lustre.Zwartbles fibre is another favourite because of its long staple length and naturally dark brown colour.  Woolplay only purchases the ranges that are entirely from British sheep.