Truck Tape Ankle Strap

I have been trying to think of different uses for the wonderful high-vis truck tape I posted about in February. I thought that it would do very well as an ankle strap, for keeping your trousers free of the chain whilst cycling.  So last Weekend I poked about the fabric shops of Goldhawk Road and the stalls of Shepherds Bush market until I had red suede, transparent PVC, green thread, sliver reflective tape and brass popper buttons. Out of these ingredients I cobbled together a prototype for a truck tape ankle strap (please forgive the shoddy stitching).

The Kailey Sheep

The wool we use comes from a sheep called the kailey. I don't know as much as I should do about this sheep and what I do know may be a bit iffy. But, I think it is unique to Chitral and it is interesting to environmentalists as it doesn't graze the high pastures since grazing the upper slopes of the Hindu Kush contributes to erosion and flash floods. It still gets succulent fodder from the high pastures though, as shepherds make the climb instead of their flocks and lovingly bring back sack loads of scythed grass for the waiting sheep. It must be worth it as the wool is very much prized and costs a lot more than comparable mountain wools.

As a tribute to this fine sheep and because I need something to print on to T-shirts I made a drawing of the Kailey....