Yarn 101 – McStuffies, PhD

A typical fair conversation…

Me, excitedly talking about my products:
I use all natural fibers and prioritize ethically sourced and small shops!

You:
Okay…

I get it. Sometimes you don’t care about what something is made of. As long as it looks nice and is in your price range. And isn’t wool itchy? Isn’t silk made through brutal processes? Let me tell you a bit about why I choose to go natural, what it means, and some info about some of my favorite brands!

Q&A

Why all natural fibers?

Natural fibers are more durable, breathable, and insulate better than acrylics. Cotton yarn products hold up incredibly well and don’t have much give. Wools can be soft and have a luxurious feel. They have a natural stretch and are easy to clean.

Also, acrylic yarn is plastic! It can melt if it gets too hot, and it both doesn’t breath and doesn’t insulate well, making it a weird double bad. Artificial fibers don’t biodegrade, but also don’t hold up as well as natural fibers. Not only do they contribute to our reliance on oils, but also fill our landfills. While choosing natural fibers is not going to solve our environmental crisis, it’s one small step I can take.

But aren’t they more expensive?

Yes, they are. But in my experience it’s a direct cost-to-quality ratio. Better yarn is better quality and makes better products. If you want a stuffie that will hold up to cuddles, a cat toy that can withstand claws and teeth, or an afghan that you can use for years and pass down to the next generation, you want quality yarn.

Okay, but silk.

Yes. I know this is a hot-button issue. Some silks are made by killing the silkworms to extract as much of the silky goodness as possible. Currently, the only silk I use is recycled (see Darn Good Yarn below), and I don’t plan on utilizing other silks unless I can verify the sourcing.

Hand-dyed versus mass-produced?

I love both!! Hand-dyed yarns are gorgeous. They have variations and a warmth you don’t get in mass-produced colors. Also, because most hand-dyers are meticulous and passionate, they tend to use eco-friendly and avoid unneeded chemicals.

That being said, sometimes you want a stable, consistent color. And that’s where mass-produced yarns come in. I still look for the yarns that do the least amount of damage, and support smaller companies when possible.

TL;DR

Often you can find cheaper crochet goods online. That is not my business model. Not to throw shade at others’ work, but I strive to make well-crafted, high quality goods that will last. I prioritize eco-conscious yarns, lifting up other small businesses, and making people smile.

Brands I Love

This list is not inclusive and will definitely grow and change as time goes on. Always feel to ask me what yarn any product is made of!

Darn Good Yarns

DYG does everything a company should do. They support ethical sourced fibers, humane working conditions and pay, benefiting traditionally underserved populations and demographics through their work, and prioritizing eco-friendly products. They’re woman owned, and employ artisans in India to recycle saris into their beautiful silk yarn. Look for me to use their Recycled Silk Yarns in a variety of my projects; I’ve done everything in it from hats to giant bongs.

Malabrigo Yarns

Malabrigo is a company that beautifully bridges the family-owned and large production barriers. They’re based in Peru and all their yarn is hand-dyed utilizing as few chemicals as possible. Additionally, they work with their farmers to ensure that their wool is 100% cruelty free and high quality. Malabrigo Rio colorways are some of my favorite superwash Merino wool – it’s soft, firmly spun, and the colors are rich and saturated.

Oink Pigments

This brand is so fun! They lean into puns and seem to have nothing but a great time doing their work. Their hand-dyed yarn has a wide variety of beautiful colorways, and their bases are transparently sourced. Additionally, they have a code of conduct that I love, supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and other marginalized populations. I can’t wait to continue working with them.

Valley Yarns

Valley Yarns is a mass-dyed brand that deeply cares about their bases. They work with farmers to ensure the fibers meet their standards and the final products are consistently beautiful. I love using their wools to make bees and other stuffies.

Q&A

Brands I Love

Darn Good Yarns

Malabrigo Yarns

Oink Pigments

Valley Yarns

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