Making my second yarn.
What you see below is the early stage of my second yarn, a light-fingering blend of 70% wool and 30% cashmere, freshly spun from the mill into three twist trials, and ready for testing. Each time I receive a mill trial I wind some off, clean out the dirt and oil residue, and get to know it. It’s the first opportunity I have to get a sense of its fabrication potential and I love this stage of my design process so much. This is its natural color, and just like my first yarn, the process will not involve any depigmentation or processing from bleaching or harsh chemicals. The result is a rich, natural undertone for the six colors I have created, in a rustic wool blend that will soften over time with washing and wearing.
Once again, the wool and cashmere for my second yarn is ethically and respectfully sourced directly from the same Tibetan nomads as my dear friends at mYak Tibetan Fibers. During all my time in this industry, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the finest materials and human beings imaginable. Aside from a couple of tech editors and sample knitters, I do the work you see myself. But when it comes to making yarn, I need to give credit to the mYak team. To Andrea for his work in Tibet (including weeks on end quarantining during Covid), to Paola throwing ideas up in the air, to Carlotta and Elena for managing all the production logistics. Every single ounce of fiber can be ethically traced, and I am so proud and grateful for their partnership. (Take a moment to learn mYak’s story.)
Just as I anticipated, it hasn’t happened overnight, but my second yarn is ready, and I can’t wait to show you what is coming. You might imagine it’s going to be a Sweater Club, but you would be guessing wrong! I will be releasing a few new things and a few re-knits of past favorites, but there’s something else up my sleeve. Something I have never done before but am hoping will be incredibly fun.
I’ll be posting some teasers on Instagram soon, but be sure to check your inbox for additional details. The launch is set for April 5th—I’m excited!