Patrick Temple - Cheviot Sheep
EASTER IN THE FIELDS
Patrick Temple, CEO of Magee Weaving mill, is marking spring with the arrival of new lambs as part of his Cheviot sheep project, putting a spotlight on Irish wool and where it really comes from. The project is all about getting back to basics—connecting the sheep, the land, and the final fabric. With lambing season in full swing, it’s a reminder that great textiles don’t just start in a mill, they start out in the fields.
What does the arrival of this year’s spring lambs mean for your Cheviot sheep project?
It's a second new year for me, marking the beginning of spring. New lambs bring freshness and wellbeing after winter.
How has being directly involved in lambing season changed your perspective on Irish wool?
Whether being in the farming or textiles worlds both are really a vocation with many skills needed in many areas.
What have been the biggest challenges and surprises working so closely with the sheep?
Nature is not always an easy business and tending to sheep involves many different variables from ensuring they are fed correctly, there isn't too little grass. Also, looking out for the effects of good and bad weather and also visits from the fox - these can all change your flock.
How do the spring lambs influence your thinking when it comes to future Magee Weaving collections?
When you see the pure white wool that comes from the lambs you have no wish to dye it. But for our customers everyone loves colour, but I like the purity it begins with.
Has this experience shifted how you view sustainability and sourcing within the business?
It’s made me believe even more in natural fibre fabrics, they are best as they are breathable, bio-degradable and very pleasant to wear. It has also made me respect even more the many farmers from the Irish Cheviot Sheep Association to other sheep breeders out there creating healthy happy flocks for the good of everyone.
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