A flock of hardy Dalesbred sheep in the Yorkshire Dales are the unlikely stars behind our latest launch here at Glencroft – three new tweed bags made from our very own Clapdale Wool, the fully traceable tweed cloth created within 50 miles of our home in Clapham.
We’ve been making quality countrywear since 1987, and these new arrivals are something we’re really proud of. They combine timeless British style and craftsmanship with a sustainability story rooted right here in the Dales.
The new Clapdale Wool bags
We’ve designed three versatile bags to suit everyday life:
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Clapdale Wool Dalesbred Zip Pouch Bag (£29.95) – a neat, clutch-sized pouch lined with cotton, perfect for make-up, valuables, or as a small evening bag.
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Clapdale Wool Dalesbred Wash Bag (£39.95) – a practical tweed travel bag with a strong cotton lining, ideal for toiletries or accessories on the move.
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Clapdale Wool Dalesbred Tote Bag (£64.95) – a large shopper with sturdy handles, a long shoulder strap, and an internal pocket for everyday essentials.
Each design comes in a bright country green or a light grey plaid – combining the character of traditional tweed with a modern colour palette.
What makes them different
What makes these bags truly unique is the story behind the fabric. Hand made in the UK from our Clapdale Wool tweed cloth, every bag can be traced back to sheep grazing on the hills surrounding us here in Clapham.
The fleece came from Dalesbred sheep raised on three local farms within just 10 miles of our base. From there, it was processed, spun, and woven into tweed in Yorkshire – never travelling more than 50 miles from field to finished cloth. A genuine farm-to-yarn story.
As I often say: these aren’t just bags – they are a piece of Yorkshire. From the sheep in the fields to the woven tweed cloth, every stage happens locally. We want to show that traditional wool can be sustainable, stylish, and still support our rural community.
Why we blend
Our tweed cloth is made from a carefully considered mix of Dalesbred Clapdale wool and Cheviot wool. We originally aimed for 100% Dalesbred, but the fibre was simply too coarse for weaving. By blending in softer Cheviot wool, we created a strong, durable cloth that still celebrates this unique local breed.
Each of these bags is designed to last – but they also tell a bigger story: that small farms, traditional breeds, and British manufacturing all have a place in today’s fashion industry.
Supporting our farmers
The wider Clapdale Wool Project, launched in 2021 with support from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainability Fund, was created to add value to local fleece and provide fairer returns to farmers. We pay farmers a premium for their wool, plus a share of the profit from every product sold, so the benefits stay in the rural economy.
Fast facts about Clapdale Wool
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Wool sourced from Dalesbred sheep on three farms within 10 miles of Clapham
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Processed, spun, and woven into tweed within 50 miles
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Farmers paid above market rates + share of profits from every sale
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Blend of Dalesbred and Cheviot wool for durability
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Project launched in 2021 with National Park Authority support
You can find our new Clapdale Wool Dalesbred Bags exclusively online.
We hope you love them as much as we’ve loved bringing them to life.
