Oh hi! I’m Leonor, a mostly self-taught fibre artist. Eleanor Shadow is my creative alter-ego, if you will.
My small woolly business first started in 2013 with needle felted sculptures under the name Felt Buddies and Co., and evolved after I rediscovered knitting and wanted to create the perfect hand dyed yarn to go with my lovely projects. I was so smitten I decided to share my love of colour with the world.
This love of wool fibres progressed from hand dyeing to spinning yarns, which led me into batt carding and wool top dyeing to feed my hungry wheel. After that, I also decided the world needed more cute project bags, so the sewing machine came out. The result is this wonderful small business named Eleanor Shadow.
I’m a strong advocate of handcrafting for mental health – something I personally apply in my life to help with my anxiety disorder. I am also an enthusiastic supporter of equal rights for everyone no matter your background, gender or colour.
If you come with a love for fibre and a wish to make the world a better place, you’re my kind of people. Welcome, kindred spirit!
I want you to love your knitting and crochet projects. I care whether your fab felting idea comes to life. Your spinning needs to be everything you ever dreamed of and I want to help you get there. My yarns, wool batts and project bags are all created for your best crafting life.
My goal in life is to be a part of your lovely hand crafting journey.
I’ll do all of this without compromising on quality or my eco values: I source my wool from ethical, local suppliers and I hand dye my fibre using the most planet-friendly techniques at my disposal.
My lovely Edinburgh studio wouldn't be complete without my two furry assistants, who have the important job of keeping me sane when I'm not dyeing yarns or making batts. They make sure I take breaks, have enough cat hair on my clothes and remember to eat by directing me often to the kitchen for treats. Also, if I didn't include my adorable felines, I wouldn't be able to shamelessly use them in my marketing, or talk about my small business using the very important-sounding "we"...
Marshmallow is my velcro-cat. If you’ve ever ordered from my small business, you likely received a thank-you note featuring this feline beauty. Since I have to feed her, I might as well put her to work.
Her favourite thing is sleeping on my lap. In fact, if I stand for too long, Marshmallow will demand I sit down so she can lay on me.
Despite having the job of Quality Control, this kitty doesn’t care much for wool. A great thing, because I don’t have to hide the yarn. Small sewing notions, however, are a different matter: if you are a bobbin, better watch out.
This permanently wide-eyed cat is Kenya. She loves a good belly rub and will reward you with the loudest purr at 4am. Don’t be fooled though: she is made of velvet and claws.
Kenya was a stray who showed up at my doorstep one day and adopted me. She slowly burrowed her way into my heart (I lie, she had me on the first “plopping on the floor to show you my belly.” I’m a sucker.)
This Silky Void also doesn’t care for wool, but she’s great at pointing me in the direction of food. Her official title is Reminder Of Breaks.
UK-based, mulesing-free yarns. Fleeces from UK high animal welfare small farms.
Reusable paper and compostable packaging to keep the planet healthy.
Limited edition hand knits and project bags
Professional grade dyes, 100% cotton fabrics, plastic-free stitch markers
To find out about things such as shipping and custom orders, head on over to the Frequently Asked Questions section to know more.
Want to have a bit of a natter, talk wool or perfect knitting spots in Edinburgh? Head on over to the Contact Page and message me.
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