Hibernation over?

Now we're nearly in British Summer Time, I've decided to come out of hibernation. But working outside in the arctic wind this morning I may change my mind....

I've just taken delivery of 10,000 (40kgs) of teasels from a company in Yorkshire that imports them from Spain. This is Dipsacus sativus, the hooked teasel, which is still used by top-end clothing manufacturers, such as Johnston's of Elgin, to hand finish their garments.

I became fascinated by this humble teasel when researching it's history last year, and have several ideas for new work. The huge boxes are now taking up space in my hallway and blocking the daylight from our front door.