Crossbills are the most odd looking birds when you look at them close up. As their name suggests, they have a bill that completely crosses over. This strange shape is to help them prise open pine cones and extract the seeds. These birds are protected in the UK, and are not often seen - I would love to spot one, but so far have not. This is because they spend most of their time at the top of conifer trees feeding.
This colourway is based on the plumage of a male crossbill. Made from shades of peach, orange and yellow merino blended with baby alpaca, tussah silk and penduncle silk. Penduncle silk is a natural mid grey shade, found in the bill and the flight feathers.
The merino and alpaca in this blend will felt. If you do not wish it to, hand wash in cool water.