HAE Blog

Five years ago, we produced a strictly limited series of 30 hand-crocheted headbands using the unique wool of these fascinating Valais locals. After an intensive search, we found the wool we needed in Zermatt. The Julen family, who run the world's largest breeding program of Valais Blacknose sheep high up in the impressive mountains of Valais, supplied us with this precious material. The limited edition sold out within 24 hours. Demand was steady, and many people asked us when we would be making headbands made from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep again. These questions sent us on a new journey—a journey that took us deep into Alpine tradition and the heart of this region. And as it turned out, it was anything but easy! Wool from the Valais Blacknose sheep: From the mountains to your hands In spring 2019, we began our search again for the special wool that makes our headbands, beanies, and hats so unique. Our first port of call was, of course, the Julen family in Zermatt. Unfortunately, their wool, which they use for mattresses and pillows in their hotels, was no longer available as knitting yarn. This wool is rough and untamed—exactly what you need for life in the high alpine mountains. Last year, we were able to ensure that the rough fibers feel comfortable against the skin without losing their original strength by adding a soft polar fleece lining. Hat made from locally sourced wool from the Valais Blacknose sheep Our path to our own yarn production – An adventure between tradition and modernity Making our own knitting yarn from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep was like drawing a line in the mountains: it requires determination, perseverance, and the willingness to face the odds. We began our search for "raw" wool throughout the Valais, but time was against us. The shearing season was already over, so we had to keep searching. After many weeks, we finally found the perfect wool in Eastern Switzerland. It came from the Valais and was of the same quality we value so highly. Processing this coarse wool into wearable yarn was no easy task. The wool spinning mill we found in Eastern Switzerland warned us: This wool isn't normally used for clothing. But that's precisely what makes it so special for us. With a lot of patience and attention to detail, the yarn was finally spun, and we held the finished material in our hands in mid-August—a moment that showed us that a certain amount of tenacity and perseverance go a long way. The challenge of transforming wool into affordable products Just as every story in the Alps is fraught with challenges, the production of our headbands and hats wasn't an easy path. We wanted to keep these products affordable, but the complex craftsmanship made it difficult. A retail price of CHF 89.90 for a beanie seemed too high, but we knew the value of this product goes far beyond the price: It carries the story of the Blacknose sheep, the region, and our own dedication within it. The combination of tradition and innovation To reduce costs, we decided to work with our long-time producer Mateusz in Poland. Mateusz and his family, who have been producing high-quality knitwear since 1989, shared our passion for this project. Even though the machines initially struggled with the unruly wool, Mateusz and his family persevered. After many adjustments and trials, they finally succeeded in producing high-quality headbands and beanies from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep. Two exclusive winter accessories made from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep The result of our trip are two beautiful winter accessories: a beanie and a headband made from the robust wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep. Thanks to the soft polar fleece lining, they are comfortable to wear, and the thick, coarse wool offers excellent protection from the cold. These accessories are not only functional but also tell the story of the Blacknose sheep, which have adapted perfectly to the rugged mountain environment of Valais over the centuries. Our collection made from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep demonstrates that it's possible to transform this often undervalued wool into high-quality products that embody both the spirit of the Alps and the comfort of the modern world. With every headband, hat, and beanie, you bring a piece of the wild, pristine beauty of the Valais mountains into your everyday life—and we're proud to share this story with you.