Unaroo

“Q3 reports” doesn’t exactly sound like gripping reading, but it should be 🤓

British Wool publish a report after every wool auction, and they’re one of the best ways to understand what’s actually happening in the UK wool industry right now.

I’ve read them all so you don’t have to.

Q3 saw four British Wool auctions, from 21st July to 15th September — and, importantly, the arrival of the 2026 clip.

What did they show us?
- Buyers were cautious as the new season arrived, with clearance dropping sharply from June to July
- Demand recovered through August and September, reaching 96.9% clearance at BW223
- Prices softened from their summer highs, but remained relatively steady while the market found its level
- And by mid-September, the 2026 season-to-date price was around 35p higher than 2025

So, how did Q3 really go? Summer can be a slower, transitional period for the wool market, with stronger demand often emerging through autumn and winter.

Q3 feels like a breather as the new 2026 clip entered the market and prices settled after a very strong first half of the year.

Will the remained of the year follow the same pattern?

We’ll find out at the next sale on the 6th October.

Did you know that it was the autumn equinox yesterday? That rather magical time when day and night as the same length.

I love this time of the year, as the leaves turn golden, the last of the berries are ripe and juicy, and you can disappear under a mountain of your finest woollens.

Admittedly I can be found in wool in the middle of summer, and also autumn is arguably my favourite season, but still, this is a magical time of year 🍂

These slightly impromptu photos were snapped on a work trip to the glorious Straloch Estate on a bluebird of a day in July. I’m wearing my Over It Slipover by lilykatemakes | knitwear designer knit using a lovely undyed wool from Caithness Yarns

Who else is excited for autumn? 🙋🏻‍♀️

I find myself continuing on the theme of gratitude this week after a sporting accident 🤕

I am grateful for the kindness I have been shown by friends and strangers alike.

I am grateful for access to good healthcare, and for the space and time to heal.

I am grateful not to be deep in dye prep for an imminent yarn show 😅

And I am grateful for the ability to whip up some fun wee handle padding to soften the pressure of hopping around on crutches. I used some yummy West Yorkshire Spinners Re:Treat and a big 7mm hook. Mindful and useful? Yes, please!

I’m still awaiting a few tests to find out the extent of my injury but please know that, crutches and a battered knee aside, I am ok

And I am endlessly grateful for the kindness you have shown me following my most recent post.

I think we can all agree that a growing collection of chronic illnesses and dietary restrictions is pretty rubbish, right?

Closing my wonderful handdyed yarn business celebrating British wool at the end of last year was an incredibly difficult decision that I spent a long time sitting on.

In the end, I knew that I had to put my health first.

And hey, if I hadn’t closed my business, I wouldn’t have:

Gone to insightful and inspiring events, including the British Wool launch of their Scottish wool label and the Great British Wool Revival Summit.

Realised I can be a happy wool nerd without needing a shop to prove that I know my stuff.

Had the time and space to visit so many shows, pet so many sheep (and cows, and horses and goats!), and meet so many lovely people.

Started interviewing the industry about why they love wool; the Why We Love This Wool serious wouldn’t exist!

We’ve all lost a WIP to the dark, shady depths of Sleeve Island, right?

Well, as someone about to set sail for these treacherous shores, I thought I would share my tips for overcoming the sleeve fear.

Two weeks, one goal, all the steps: are you ready to have sleeves by the end of August?

Share your top tips for surviving the tests and troubles of the second (and first!) sleeve in the comments.