Lapwing – 50g Hebridean 2 Ply

Description

Alice Starmore Hebridean 2 Ply Yarn is made from premium quality pure new British wool, dyed in the fleece and skillfully blended into unique shades. It is hand-washed and dried in the Hebridean air, and supplied in hand-made skeins which may vary in weight. It is priced per 50g at standard conditions. All yarn is weighed to order on balances that are checked daily to ensure that you receive the correct total amount.

Lapwing is part of the Birds range, which is inspired by birds of the Outer Hebrides.

Story

The Lapwing is obviously one of the braver types of bird as it remains in the Hebridean Isles throughout the winter instead of migrating to warmer climes. This very attractive bird, with its green wings and long, dark, distinctive crest, is not slow to make its presence felt. Anyone venturing near a Lapwing nest will be greeted with loud cries and a slew of furiously circling birds, which has led to their alias of Peesie-Weep in imitation of their cry. This has also given them the name of Peewit, and they are sometimes called the Green Plover. When not breeding they are quite friendly, and will watch you walk by as if they knew you personally.

They seem adapted to living life dangerously, and their offspring can run from an attacked nest almost immediately after birth. They are also impressed by risky flying and the male has an acrobatic display flight which it uses to attract a mate rather than the more conventional nest-building technique favoured by many birds. Feeding during the winter months is difficult and some do not survive. Those who do can be seen celebrating at the beginning of every spring.

The cry of the Lapwing resonates through Scottish literature. Those familiar with the novels of Lewis Grassic Gibbon will know of its east coast name of “Peesie” and will also know how its mournful call echoes through Sunset Song and Cloud Howe. The daring green plumage of the Lapwing – brightest in the centre, darkening towards the wings – is captured in this mix of emerald greens with hints of blue.

£8.00