dyeing philosophy

COLOR

SOLID COLOR SKEINS

Color is subjective and ever-changing. In nature, gemstones have variegations within, and often differ from other stones of the same type.

As such, I don’t try to create absolutely solid colored yarn — that’s what classic mill-dyed yarns are for. Hand dyed yarns revel in nature’s imperfection, and people who love them savor their subtle complexity.

I take pleasure in dyeing solids which are inspired by specific objects. Have a great idea? Tell me!

Solid colors are available in these dye methods: sedimentary, graduated, tincture, or kettle dyed.

MULTIPLE COLOR SKEINS

Good colors deserve respect, and I’ve taken a vow never to throw them
together thoughtlessly. Like guests at dinner party, they should be
seated carefully for harmonious results.

I begin by imagining a situation, a setting, an emotion. A color will often pop to mind, evoking the feeling I desire. The more deeply I examine the scenario I’ve created, the more colors appear.

And then, there are books. Tactile and imaginative, they’re an important part of our lives, even in this day and age of technology. A favorite book can lead me to glorious colors.

Think, for example, about Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities. Liberty, struggle, sacrifice…translated into color, I might express those ideas as red, white and blue. Of course, the very same colors can be interpreted in other ways. Blueberry pie and strawberry shortcake. I might simply be hungry.

There’s no right or wrong, as long as the colors feel good to you. What do you see in your skein? If there’s a book or another inspiring piece you’d like me to interpret in a special yarn for you, feel free to contact me anytime.

Colors can surprise, entertain, soothe, and make our knitting so much more.

Multicolor yarns are available in all dyeing methods except kettle dyed; simply request what you want, if you don’t see it available! Keep in mind that the dyeing method can drastically change the appearance of a colorway — part of the charm of uniquely dyed yarn.

THE YARN

Anyone who takes the time to knit something beautiful deserves only the best materials to work with. Nothing’s more important to a knitter than good yarn, and I’ve selected my base yarns carefully so I can offer you the best.

Why handcraft if the materials don’t feel good to the touch? I value the tactile experience of knitting enough that I’ve chosen only the softest, smooshiest merinos and other yarns of similar quality. I don’t like yarn to fight me — or you — so I’ve tested each yarn to make certain that it’s as non-splitty as possible. Everything I sell has been test-swatched by multiple knitters, and has received good reviews.

Since many of my lightweight yarns will be used for socks I prefer superwash yarns. Non-superwash yarns will be clearly noted, so that those of you who’d like a good felting yarn will know what to choose.

If you’d like a specific weight or fiber that I don’t currently offer, please let me know. I’ll continue to test new yarns and offer you the best I can find.

These base yarns are currently available:

SUPERWASH MERINO FINGERING

Superwash merino fingering yarn is true sock yarn. Knit up with size 0-2 needles, it produces thin socks which fit nicely in your everyday shoes. Also lovely for lace projects. You’ll receive no less than 100 grams of sock yarn, at least 490 yards.

SUPERWASH MERINO-TENCEL FINGERING

Superwash merino-tencel fingering yarn is true sock yarn with a gorgeous sheen. Silky and soft, it’s a pleasure to knit with and a luxury to wear. Knit up with size 0-2 needles, it produces thin socks which fit nicely in your everyday shoes. Also lovely for lace projects. You’ll receive no less than 100 grams of sock yarn, at least 400 yards.

SUPERWASH MERINO SPORT

Superwash merino sport yarn is a thicker sock yarn. Size 2-4 needles will produce excellent socks. You’ll receive no less than 100 grams of sock yarn, at least 250 yards.