 |
|
Hand Painted & Dyed Yarns
|
 |
|
Welcome to the 26th issue of the Yarnmarket Just My Type newsletter for May 2011. Each month we’re featuring a different Yarn Types category from our store and showcasing many of the sensational fibers & fiber blends in stock that are just right for your favorite knitting & crochet projects. With over 800 yarns now available from Yarnmarket.com, you’re sure to find the perfect option for your next creative endeavor no matter what it is. Having trouble reading this issue? Then please enjoy the online version.
|
Create Masterpieces with Hand Painted & Dyed Yarns
We are all yarn lovers and fiber enthusiasts, and we each have our preferences as to what most draws us to a particular yarn. Industry surveys indicate that texture, fiber content, gauge, eco-friendliness and washability are some of the things knitters and crocheters check out when choosing yarn for their next project.
But what do you think is the top factor that draws us to a specific yarn and not some other equally good alternative? You guessed it -- color is the key factor that helps make our choice. We are drawn to the color of the yarn sitting on the shelf or displayed on the web page, and then we start considering all of the other features.
Some prefer the consistency and uniformity of machine dyed fibers, but many of the most outstanding colorways available in the yarn industry today come from those magnificent artists who apply their color palettes to various fiber types and textures. From silk to alpaca and from merino wool to cotton, Hand Painted & Hand Dyed Yarns give us gorgeous results, masterful results that others will envy.
And the best news yet? While some hand-dyers specialize in one type of fiber, others give us superb multi-seasonal choices for year-round depth to our wardrobe. From an innovative Canadian yarn company that textile lovers crave -- Fleece Artist Yarns to a small, specialty handspinning and hand dyeing operation such as the Snow Leopard Trust, each manufacturer brings exquisite fiber gems to the marketplace. But before we delve into the wonders of the specific yarns, let's clarify a few terms and methodologies for creating all of these beauties and solve any mysteries of descriptions on the yarn labels.
Probably the two basic definitions establish the difference between "hand painted" and "hand dyed." Hand Painting where the fiber artist literally paints the colors onto the hanks of yarn arranged flat on a table. As fun as finger painting, hand painting yarn is the best hand method for controlling the placement of the color pigments yet is also the most labor intensive whether the dye is applied using a brush, sponge, squeeze bottle, spray bottle or even fountain pen.
On the other hand, Hand Dyed is sometimes used as the more generic term for any yarn that is not machine dyed. But technically it includes processes where the yarn is dunked into different containers of dyes to create those masterpieces of color combos. The fibers and fiber blends are often comprised of natural fibers but synthetic fibers such as nylon & rayon can also be hand dyed with special processes using cold water or hot water dyes.
And there are other common terms typically used to describe types of dyeing methods, so here are a few other quick definitions:
Space Dyed yarns according to Prism Yarn founder Laura Militzer Bryant are those that have "been dyed in multi-colors after spinning; colors appear as distinct spaces."
Rainbow Dyeing is a general term used to describe dyeing fibers "using a range of colours or shades, applied at random, to create a multi-coloured or 'rainbow' effect" as defined by Debbie Tomkies in her informative book Hand-dyed Yarn Craft Projects.
Then as the name implies, Dip Dyeing involves dipping sections of each hank of yarn into the dye, either using a single dyepot or color and usually getting semi-solid results or using several pots of different colors and getting a variegated effect.
Tie Dyeing is a form of "resist" dyeing where sections of the main yarn or fabric are bound off with tight, synthetic string or yarn so that the dye is absorbed only in the unbound areas. Interesting geometric shapes and unique designs are often created with this method.
And last but not least, all the experts seem to agree that Kettle Dyeing just means that the dye and the yarn are all placed into one single container and are manipulated to produce certain colors, blends, & patterns as the artisan so chooses.
So with a gorgeous 116 Hand Painted & Hand Dyed Yarns currently in stock at Yarnmarket.com, you have plenty of options from which to choose for all your one-of-a-kind projects & gifts. We know you enjoy browsing for yourself, but we also have the following special staff recommendations for yarns and projects for year-round enjoyment of these terrific fiber blends. Several of these projects also start with Free Patterns courtesy of the manufacturer, so take a look and get started on your next stunningly beautiful outfit or gift right away.
|
 |
|
Starting off with the yarn collections focusing on one type of fiber, Misti Alpaca leads the way with buttery soft alpaca trio for your knitting and crocheting enjoyment. And you can rely on the Misti brand to carry with it a family commitment to providing North American knitters with the highest quality alpaca.
The foundation yarn of their marvelous hand painted collection -- Misti Alpaca Chunky -- gives you a quick-to-create, 100% pure alpaca yarn choice that's absolutely thermal because its hollow fiber and microscopic air pockets help you maintain your body heat yet allow your skin to "breathe" in warmer weather. You can also enjoy its color-coordinated, hand painted cousin, Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky and mix & match hues in your sweater, hat, scarf, shawl, jacket and bag projects all fall & winter.
Then because the hand paint chunky has been so popular, they've added the gorgeous Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Sock yarn to keep your tootsies warm without the added bulk some sock yarns bring. Blending alpaca and merino and then adding a touch of silk & nylon is pure genius so that you have a sensational fiber mix that's warm, durable and velvety soft with snap-back spring too.
|
Ruffle Wrap
Cable Hat
Goddess Cardi
Malabrigo Wrap
Abbey Cardigan
Button Cowl
Juliet Set
Alchemy Wrap
Carmelo Bolero
Magician Scarf
Fruit Stand Cardi
Ruca Top
Lace Leaf Shawl
Picot Baby Cardi
Faux Lace Scarf
Fancy Mitts
Ruffled Scarf
Regal Silk Shell
Lazy River Socks
Camel Cable Set
Tencel Tape Tee
Serena Tank
Sushi Hat
Kochoran Cardi
Ruffled Cuffs
Tea Cozy
Galaxy Boa
Liberty Socks
Prism Lacy Shawl
Crochet Scarf
Spottie Dottie Socks
|
|
Then the owners of Aslan Trends have worked closely with Argentinean artisans to create their "Kettle Hand Dyed Collection." Available in three yarn weights, all yarns in the collection are crafted of supersoft merino wool plus a touch of nylon. Also each color collection is hand dyed in the same 11 color coordinated color combos so that it's oh-so easy to match your garments and your accessories for a complete outfit.
From fingering-weight sock yarn Santa Fe to worsted-weight Bariloche yarn, these Aslan Trend lovelies are terrific. And best of all, super chunky Los Andes fits right in with fall's hot trend for chunky knitwear.
|
|
Another South American company in recent years has specialized in hand dyed merinos and has quickly gained followers. Malabrigo Yarns is becoming well-known for their beautifully spun, supersoft creations.
Their current collection includes feltable merino wools in a variety of yarn weights including Merino Worsted Multi, its companion yarn Merino Worsted Semi-Solid and superchunky Rasta yarn. And the Malabrigo yarn mavens have most recently created Rios, the superwash version of the "Merino Worsted" yarns.
|
|
We at Yarnmarket have also developed several exclusive hand-dyed yarn collections focusing on wool fiber gems. With the help of fiber artist extraordinaire Iris Schreier, we offer exclusive Abbey Merino yarn for your knitting and crocheting pleasure.
Inspired by the pastel drawings of an American monk, this superwash merino yarn has been hand-dyed by Iris Schreier of Artyarns. Iris captures the spirit of serenity conveyed in the monk's pastels with a truly glorious palette of colors. The yarn is simple in its purity and perfect for garments or accessories that touch the skin.
|
|
The other Yarnmarket-exclusive hand-dyed wool is the whimsical Felines Chunky to bring us a superb, quick-to-create option. "Felines Chunky has also been hand dyed by Iris Schreier but this time her inspiration capturing the many colors of cats. From tabbies to tortoise shells, we know how much cat lovers adore their feline friends, and we're certain yarn lovers will want to knit an original creation to match their own Fabulous Feline. Each color is named after an actual pussycat whose photo was submitted by a knitter.
|
|
Since the rest of the yarns in this collection use multiple fibers, we will overview the top yarn companies in alphabetical order. First up are the wonders of Gina and Austin Wilde at Alchemy Yarns. Each hank is individually hand painted on their farm in Northern California where the lovely colors of nature serve as constant inspiration. No wonder the company slogan is "Yarns of Transformation" because these superb yarns & marvelous color choices are sure to transform your knitting & crochet projects.
All of their hand painted yarns are available as "elements" yarns (semi-solid, tone-on-tone shades) and as "colorways" (their term for multi-colored offerings). From the ethereal loveliness of Haiku Handpaint Elements & Haiku Handpaint Colorways to the luminous luster of Silk Purse Handpaint Elements & Silk Purse Handpaint Colorways, we know these yarns will leave you breathless.
Then for an intriguing, totally different texture, we highly recommend the wonders of Silken Straw Handpaint Colorways & Silken Straw Handpaint Elements. Constructed of 5 fine silk strands, this unique, 100% silk ribbon yarn softens dramatically as you knit & crochet with it and then even more as it's worn & washed.
Also enjoy multi-seasonal, hand painted silk/wool blends such as Sanctuary Handpaint Elements, Sanctuary Handpaint Colorways and Synchronicity Handpaint Elements for year-round elegance.
|
|
For some of the most unusual fibers and dyeing results in our collection, the yarn gurus at Araucania start us off with a velvety soft duo crafted of 100% sugar cane fiber. Ruca Multi and Ruca Solid give you a DK/sport-weight fiber with lustrous elegance that comes in a generous 263-yard hank for fewer tie-ins whether you're knitting or crocheting a shawl, a scarf, a top, a cardi, a vest, a baby layette or any other lightweight project.
Also take a peek at the marled, tweedy beauty of Panguipulli yarn. Constructed of four plies of different hues twisted together, this versatile worsted-weight yarn has marvelous color graduations from one hand-dyed shade to another.
|
|
Yarnmarket's long-term partnership with knitwear designer extraordinaire Iris Schreier of Artyarns means that we offer one of the most extensive collections of her fab fibers in the world. No matter what luxury fiber you crave, Artyarns provides you with hand dyed excellence in high-quality yarns. Just one peek at what Iris can do with a classic like Supermerino and a 100% silk beauty such as Regal Silk, and we know you'll see exactly what we mean.
Then expanding the repertoire to even more luxurious, glamorous fibers in recent years, the Artyarns colorways shine beautifully in such fiber gems as Cashmere 5, Beaded Ensemble & Sequins, Silk Rhapsody and Beaded Mohair & Sequins, just to name a few of the 25 Artyarns in the Yarnmarket collection.
|
|
Then when we turn our attention across the Atlantic, we so enjoy exploring the artistry of the Welsh hand dyers of Colinette. For both the experienced yarn connoisseur & the discriminating beginner, Colinette Yarns are absolutely beautiful fiber offerings.
As the ultimate easy care, 100% merino sock yarn, lightweight Jitterbug's reputation is well deserved. Each hank is carefully hand painted to give you wondrous socks and fine-gauge garments and other accessories, so "Jitterbug" is sure to get your toes tapping the moment you first touch it.
There's also a stunning cotton/rayon blend in our Colinette collection that we bet will awe and astound you. Giotto is a quick-to-create, shimmering ribbon yarn that's sure to inspire you to knit and crochet fabulous multi-seasonal outfits.
|
|
Known for sophisticated, inspiring colorways available in a variety of premier fibers, over the past 25 years Fiesta Yarns has become a premium American brand. Family-owned & operated, Fiesta offers a variety of hand-dyed yarns in radiant colors reflecting the unique landscape of the Southwest and beyond. This past year we've enjoyed the innovative Flower of the Month Collection and most recently launched the first colorway of the Fiesta Cruise Collection.
From their continuing lines, an ever-developing staple of the hand dyed industry is multi-hued La Boheme, perhaps best known for its wondrous 2-strand construction hand dyed together -- one strand of brushed kid mohair blended with wool & nylon and the other a lovely 100% rayon boucle. The terrific juxtaposition of sheen & matte with marvelous textures creates a truly special fabric in all your worsted-weight knitting & crochet projects. And for tone-on-tone solids, check out Insignia La Boheme.
Fiesta also has its own gorgeous sock yarn to inspire you. Crafted of superfine alpaca and Tencel, Ballet is so perfect for premium socks, superb shawls, lightweight sweaters that we know you'll enjoy knitting and crocheting with hand-dyed "Ballet" almost as much as wearing it next to your skin.
|
|
For the ultimate in one-of-a-kind masterpieces, you know you can count on the Yarnmarket-exclusive Impressionist Collection to make you stand out in any crowd. Through our partnerships with some of the best hand dyers in the world, we've created a gorgeous assortment of fibers and textures reflecting the individual's interpretation of a series of famous Impressionist paintings. Each artisan has translated the original artwork into her or his own textile version so that we have a wide range of color combos and fiber blends in the collection.
For example, Iris Schreier of Artyarns fame has her vision of "Starry Night" as shown in her Impressionist Beaded Silk, and it is significantly different from what Prism's Laura Bryant portrays for the same colorway in her Impressionist Tencel Tape. And the Twisted Sisters put their own special spin on "Les Fleurs" in their Impressionist Zazu, while Beth Casey of Lorna's Laces chooses to accent slightly different colors from the original painting. So enjoy exploring all 8 colorways in 21 different fiber gems in our special collection.
|
|
When you crave hand dyed beauty but also want to support a great cause, discover the wonders of Manos del Uruguay yarn. Founded and owned by a women's cooperative, the spectacular artistic endeavors of this talented group of women has made the brand of "Manos" into an industry staple.
Well known for working with fashion designers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs, Manos gives you the opportunity to knit & crochet with the same luxurious fiber blends as these haute-couture gurus. For example, Serena Semi-Solid yarn is a terrific blend of baby alpaca and pima cotton, while Wool Clasica Space-Dyed is 100% feltable wool. Then lovely, multi-seasonal Manos Silk Blend Semi-Solid and Manos Silk Blend Space-Dyed are two fiber gems you can enjoy just about year round. Also for the newest additions to the collection, be sure to check out Maxima Semi-Solid yarn and Maxima Space-Dyed yarn for maximum beauty and softness.
|
|
When you're looking for one-of-a-kind hand dyed yarns where the entire process is handled in very small batches, we highly recommend the lovely fiber gems from Namaste Farms.
From the whimsical design of alpaca/mohair Charmed-Hello Kitty yarn to the velvety softness of Ohm Kid Mohair and from fun Wensleydale Long Locks to specialized Mohair Fringe Yarn, you know you've found unusual, innovative options for your creations.
|
|
Color artist Eisaku Noro is so well known throughout the world that just his last name -- Noro -- conjures up images of color magnificence, and Noro hand dyes his natural fiber yarns most exquisitely.
Classic self-striping favorites like Kureyon and Silk Garden have ably withstood the test of time and pressure from the competition because Noro revives his color palette every season and offers excellent options.
Noro also continues to develop other fiber options for the discerning knitter and crocheter such as cotton/silk blend Aya yarn, brand-new Nobori yarn and multi-textured Kochoran. And, of course, he keeps all of his color palettes up to date and right in line with the latest trends.
|
|
Prism's Laura Bryant has developed one of the most innovative approaches to hand dyed yarn, and we're oh-so glad we've been able to enjoy her terrific "Stuff" yarns over the years. By taking various fiber blends and yarn textures, tying them end to end, and then hand dyeing the resulting hank, Laura can achieve fabulous color blends that others can only dream of. We're also very excited that we have in stock and ready to ship both full skeins and half skeins of her spectacular Stuff creations.
Now with four Stuff variations in her collection along with the lovely Impressions yarn, you have oodles of options for year round fun.
Laura has also created the luxurious silk blend so aptly named Indulgence, the ultra-soft fingering-weight Merino Mia and our personal fave Kid Slique, just to name a few of the 17 Prism yarns in our collection.
|
|
Or if you want to dye the yarn yourself and create your own fiber masterpiece, then we have just the yarns for that fun experiment too. Our Yarns to Dye For department offers 7 undyed yarn options in various fiber blends and at different weights. From fingering-weight White Undyed Tofutsies to earth-friendly Hope DK Undyed and from bamboo/wool blend Trekking Pro Natura Undyed to "Big Blue" for the Blue Face Leicester Undyed yarn collection, you have limitless options, so give your imagination free rein.
Also learn of other ways you can dye your own yarn using common dyeing agents around your home in Kathleen Taylor's informative Yarns to Dye For.
Then just as a little preview of what's to come, our 27th issue of the Just My Type newsletter will be emailed to you on Tuesday, June 28th , so get ready for a review of yarns that are just right for summer and for those with sensitive in our newsletter featuring Classic Cotton Yarns. These lovely fiber cottons and cotton blends come in a terrific range of yarn weights, textures and gauges for all your knitting & crocheting projects.
|
 |
|
Be sure to keep up with the latest Yarnmarket & Yarndex news as it's happening!
Contests, promotions, new yarns and behind-the-scenes fun can be found on:
|
    |
   |
|
|
Originally published by Yarnmarket, LLC in 5/2011. Please note that some yarns and links may change over time.
|
|
