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» Go to news mainBarley Boutique launched
Wool blankets made from the Faculty of Agriculture flock have long been a cherished item on campus, admired by faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike. Over the past 20 years, these cozy and beautifully crafted blankets have become a symbol of community and pride, extending their appeal across the university and beyond.
Most recently, their reputation reached a heartwarming milestone when one of these wool blankets appeared on the wedding registry of a Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences alum, highlighting the affection for this campus treasure and the special connection it fosters within the ±«Óătv community.
For years, these blankets were sold primarily through word-of-mouth and could only be picked up on the Truro campus. However, their growing popularity and demand has paved the way for an exciting new chapter. The blankets are now officially available as part of the an online shopping platform through ±«Óătv University, with domestic shipping now offered. It has never been easier to bring home a piece of campus heritage.
The blankets, measuring 48x60”, are handcrafted by MacAuslands Woolen Mill in Prince Edward Island, ensuring their quality and authenticity.
The Barley Boutique draws its name from the Faculty of Agriculture Barley Ring. Barley is an essential element of agriculture and has been a widely planted and harvested crop in Nova Scotia since the earliest times. It was also one of the first crops planted on the Agriculture Campus in 1890, making it a fitting symbol for this initiative.
“Since launching the Barley Ring in 2010, barley has become an unofficial symbol for our campus,” said Colette Wyllie, Alumni Engagement Manager and Class of ’10 graduate. “The product line has expanded to accommodate the level of interest, and launching the Barley Boutique is an appropriate next step.”
In addition to the iconic wool blankets, the Barley Boutique has expanded its offerings to include wool hats and mittens. These bespoke items are the creative work of alum Jenna Forsyth and her business, .
“Being part of this project is a full-circle experience: seeing the sheep on campus in the spring, sending their wool for processing, and working with the custom yarn to produce cozy items for the following winter,” said Jenna (Class of '02). “Each piece tells a story of connection to the AC and traditional agriculture.”
Beyond wool items, the Barley Boutique offers a diverse range of accessories, including ball hats and belt buckles, as well as barley pins, pendants, earrings, and tie clips handcrafted by Donna Hiebert Artist, who also designed and still makes the Barley Ring. These items make thoughtful gifts and stand as a testament to the university's rich heritage and creative spirit.
With these offerings, the Barley Boutique is connecting past and present, tradition and innovation, and a way for the university community to share its story.
All products can be found online at the , making it easier than ever to celebrate and share the legacy of ±«Óătv University’s Faculty of Agriculture.
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