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Matt & Laura Bryant |
Laura Bryant learned to knit when she was just eight years old. Her mother, a Brownie leader, taught the whole troop, and Laura was immediately obsessed. Her knitting remained a hobby throughout her college years, and after graduating from Art School she worked in a local yarn store to make ends meet. As luck would have it, one of the yarn reps who visited the store was moving on to another career, and recommended that she take over his territory in Upstate New York. It was the early 1980's and Laura had officially entered the yarn industry repping for prestigious firms that included Berroco and Tahki.
Now that she was working for yarn companies, Laura was able to attend the TNNA Shows where she was impressed with the beautiful hand-dyed yarns displayed by some fiber artists. It occurred to her then that she could now use her art school education in textiles and colors to try something completely new. With the support of Diane Friedman of Tahki Yarns, she started hand-dyeing a line of their English homespun tweeds.
Soon, Laura had created Prism and was dyeing several other yarns for Tahki. In 1986, when Tahki moved on to other opportunities, Laura took charge of her own destiny, using her ingenuity and creativity to develop a company that was truly original.
Those of you who are familiar with Prism Yarns know that the company is synonymous with the fabulous "Stuff" lines. These are absolutely gorgeous yarns that use unique combinations of fibers and styles -- all in a single skein. The original idea for what was to be a revolutionary concept in the industry came from Laura's mother who was repping Prism yarns in Florida. She had told Laura about a sweater that took five to eight different yarns, and mused that it would be a good idea if you could buy the yarns all in one skein.
Laura's mother said, "Wouldn't it be great if you could unravel the sweater, measure every length of yarn and then sell the yarn already tied together?" Even though she initially thought the idea was crazy, Laura decided to give it a try using odds and ends that were lying around. When she introduced it at a 1992 trade show, the yarn took off and she had trouble keeping up with demand.
Today, 19 years later, her different varieties of "Stuff" continue to grab the attention of yarn and fiber enthusiasts who love knitting with something a little different. Sure, she's been paid the highest compliment by having her original idea duplicated by others, but Laura still remains the person credited with the original concept.
Her company has grown over the years and she's very proud that all her yarns are created in the United States by workers who are fairly paid for their efforts. Her husband, Matt, is now working with her and together they continue to provide the industry and knitters with interesting and innovative yarns.
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Win a Prism Gift Package Worth Over $150
See details below »
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Galaxy is another glorious yarn hand-dyed by Laura Bryant in color combinations you're going to love. The colors are enhanced with glittering gold or silver. Crafted of 95% nylon and 5% metallic polyester. 8 gorgeous colors to choose from.
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Here's a sock yarn that is so soft and comfy you'll want to make several pairs for yourself and your loved ones. It's a sumptuous combination of merino wool and nylon, so it's got just the right amount of elasticity. One hank will make a pair of adult socks.
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Who else could combine kid mohair, wool, alpaca, bamboo, cotton, rayon, nylon, Tencel and polyester to create such a beautiful hand-dyed confection? Laura Bryant's Wild Stuff is gorgeous alone or as an accent or trim yarn. Also available in 1/2 skein.
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Cool Stuff combines rayon, cotton, nylon, bamboo, polyester, Tencel and silk to create a hand-dyed beauty that's great in warm weather but adds style to any season. Laura Bryant gives you 300 yards of brilliant hues. Also in 1/2 skein.
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This light worsted to DK-weight yarn is crafted of plied 80% merino wool 10% cashmere and 10% nylon. It's springy, ultra-soft, and silky with a lovely stitch definition and excellent color saturation. Even better, it's machine washable so it's great for kidswear.
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This big 400 yard skein gives you remarkable texture and color combinations. Crafted of cotton, rayon, nylon, bamboo, Tencel and polyester, it's superbly hand-dyed by Laura Bryant. Great for shawls, wraps and used as trim. Also available in 1/2 skein.
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Silky and fuzzy, glimmering and matte, light and dark, Prism's Kid Slique is a superb blend of harmonious opposites. With strands of rayon and mohair, plus a touch of nylon, this quick-to-knit favorite showcases Laura's color combinations.
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Wondrous sheen with a slight scalloping of each edge makes Bon Bon Solid a special 100% rayon, 1/8" wide ribbon yarn. Works fantastically in any worsted-weight design for year-round comfort. "Sand washed" colors are subtly blended one into the next!
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Neat Stuff is a neat combination of kid mohair, wool, alpaca and bamboo without the usual "Stuff" glitter. The result is a wonderful variety of yarns tied end to end that you can use for your favorite worsted-weight patterns. Available in 1/2 skein.
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This velvety smooth Tencel Tape yarn is hand-dyed by Laura Bryant in colors inspired by the Impressionist painters of the 19th century. This eco-friendly creation absorbs moisture, and is breathable and hypo-allergenic.
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Wrap yourself in luxury with a spectacular silk blend that includes a little mohair, wool and nylon. The marvelous hand-dyed colors create the perfect yarn to knit and crochet year round. This Indulgence will make a beautiful addition to your wardrobe.
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Soft, hand-dyed Merino Mia is not only beautiful, it's machine washable! This 100% Merino wool is perfect for all your fingering-weight knitting and crochet projects — like socks, shawls, scarves, and baby items. One pair of adult socks requires two hanks.
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Laura Bryant at TNNA |
While Laura Bryant didn't initially set out to become a designer, she was almost forced by her own success to expand her skill set and learn to create knitting patterns.
"While people loved my yarn and the colors," she says, "they invariably asked ‘What can I do with it’?"
Because she'd been knitting and sewing her own clothes for many years, and she'd studied 3-dimensional design at art school, she decided to give it a try. Even if she weren't a trained pattern designer, through trial and error she learned how to create beautiful patterns that best show off the colors and textures of her yarns.
Now, when she isn't dyeing yarns, she's writing patterns for test knitters and finishing off the garments. With her creative spirit and fearless approach she pioneered circular knitting with hand-dyed yarn for patterning and she took new approaches with color. Laura has become so adept at combining colors in new and different ways that she's become a popular teacher of color classes at University and trade shows. Currently, she's working on a DVD for Interweave Press called A Knitter's Guide to Color with Laura Bryant.
Her passion for well-fitted garments has compelled Laura to write the popular book, A Knitters Template which is being updated for another printing. This book takes knitters step-by-stop through analyzing their own body and then creating a sweater that fits perfectly. The book includes 30 sizes across 9 different gauges with style options for sleeves, necklines and length, etc.
Prism Yarns at TNNA |
Today, in addition to designs for her wildly popular "Stuff" yarns, Laura is also creating more classic styles for use with her Merino Mia and Symphony yarns. These patterns emphasize interesting architectural details in the shape, necklines and collars, and also provide rich color work.
When asked how she develops her styles, Laura tells us, "My approach has really been to design what I want to knit and wear. That seems to have been pretty successful."
Like many prominent women in the knitting industry, Laura trusted her heart and her instincts to do what she felt was right. Her perseverance paid off with a brilliant career and fans throughout the world who appreciate her ingenuity and style.
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Here's a versatile piece that you'll want to add to your winter wardrobe. It's a wrap, scarf, and hood all in one! Best of all, it's easy to make. The basic rib pattern is knit flat using Symphony yarn and then the two ends are grafted after a twist of the fabric. Finished size is 20 x 50".
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Add a little extra style to your wardrobe with this dazzling cape. It's created with Wild Stuff and Bon Bon yarns. Worked from the neck down, the entrelac squares grow in size to produce a semi-circular cape fastened with a pin. Finished size: 22" around neck & 78" around hem.
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Here's a great piece that will enhance your look and give you some extra warmth when you need it. The longtailed wrap is made with soft, pretty Kid Slique yarn. It's so easy and so stylish you'll want to make more than one! Quantities are for a wrap of approximately 50".
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Who said a pretty purse has to be complicated? Here's a folded purse that is deceptively easy to make. The simple pouch has its zipper in the opposite direction from the flat bottom to create an unusual shape. Line it with fabric for extra interest and stability. 8" x 8" x 3".
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Hoods, hats and cowls are big fashions this season. This versatile piece is a wrap, scarf, and hood all in one! The piece is knit flat in an easy openwork pattern and then the two ends are grafted after a clever twist of the fabric. What could be simpler? The finished size is 25" x 48".
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Pretty edging, hidden structure, and just the right yarns combine to make a simple shape in stockinette stitch become very special. Plain Symphony yarn and the multi-textured Neat Stuff form quietly lush stripes that highlight the flattering shape. Perfect for casual or dress wear.
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This looks so much more complicated than it really is! This colorful wrap uses Merino Mia yarn to create a subtle argyle pattern that emerges as you knit. Your friends will think you're a knitting pro even if you aren't! Wear it with a dress or jeans. Anything goes! 13" x 100".
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This bolero is fun to knit and adds brilliant style to any outfit. It's created using two different colors of Stuff that are knit in alternating rows. You get a fabulous effect that is then edged in two different shades of Symphony. You'll love the color and warmth. One size fits 16"-22" width.
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Here's a great top that'll bring you to attention! The edginess of this military-influenced jacket is enhanced by crisp cable panels that give a smocked effect on the front, center back, and sleeves. It's made with popular Symphony yarn, a luxurious blend of wool, cashmere, and nylon.
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Openwork stitches and larger needles create the draping drama of this wonderful wrap. Use it as a delicate shawl or as a pretty scarf. The stitch pattern is super easy and this knits up in no time! It uses less yardage than you'd think of Prism's Cool Stuff yarn. Finished size is 20" x 90".
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Perhaps the bride won't be the center of attention if you show up in this spectacular wedding jacket. The stunning cardigan uses a simple stitch pattern with fancy edging. Yards and yards of silk ribbon create generous gathers on the sleeves, back and front. This is a real showpiece!
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An openwork ruffle on the sleeves and body edge of this simply knit shrug gives it an elegant, romantic look. Wear it with evening wear, or dress up a pair of jeans for a chic, casual look. Prism Indulgence yarn has an understated shine that's perfect for a piece that multi-tasks with you -- day or night.
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Berroco »
Cherry Tree Hill»
Gedifra »
Great Adirondack »
Kertzer »
Patons »
Phildar »
Red Heart »
Rowan »
Tahki »
Universal »
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You could win a Prism Prize Package worth over $150. The package includes everything you need to create the Sea & Sky Shrug: three skeins of Symphony yarn, two skeins of Neat Stuff, and a copy of Interweave Knits: Fall 2010 for the pattern.
Send an email with your answer to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Make sure the subject is: Spotlight on Prism Yarns.
Include in your email the answer to the question: What was Laura Bryant's territory when she started to rep for Tahki and Berroco?
We'll draw a winner from all the correct submissions on March 3 and announce it in our next issue of Spotlight.
Congratulations to Brooke Yoshino of Florida who won our Spotlight on Needles and Accessories contest in January!
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