Kernow Kei

How did I get to this point? And what do I do?

Firstly- I am passionate about; Cornwall; our history; our culture; our singing and language; and making and taking all of the above and putting it into a normal everyday life, something we just know.

I also love to walk my dogs and enjoy the beauty around me; therefore I like to be dressed appropriately for our Cornish weather, keeping warm and dry. I discovered that neck tubes kept me warm or cool depending how I wore them. I had no ends of a scarf to battle with; they tucked around my neck just fine and would keep my cheeks warm on a cold day.

So I researched into a Cornish option. I could find the Welsh dragon, the St Andrews cross for Scotland, even four leaf clovers for Ireland but nothing for Cornwall. So off I went to source material to make my own. There was no suitable material-just wool blends and cotton polyester which are great for traditional scarfs, but not for my work. Eventually I found some one that would make appropriate material in a small amount- enabling me to make my own neck tubes for myself and family.

It took off! I had a bike club approach me, amongst many other people, so last summer I decided to fill the gap in the market, and started to make what I call ‘KK’ tubes. The material is versatile and is great for other items such as boxer trunks and ladies knickers. Hey presto-I am now making and selling!

I have a face book page for ‘Kernow Kei’ and a shop on Etsy called Kernow Kei. You can also find me at various festivals and shows through the year and I will be in St Ives at the Guildhall on a regular basis every fortnight on a Tuesday.  Anyone is welcome to visit me in my studio and I will gladly show you my creations. Please email me to get in touch.