We're so excited to finally introduce our newest creation, Yarn Citizen, to the world! It all started on a trip to Peru. Laura (aka Jimmy!) was touring fair trade mills and there, she found out that these mills have thousands of pounds of leftover yarn bits every year. She decided to make a commitment. She requested to give these bits a second life, save them from the landfill, and close the gap between high-end yarn and affordability!
We're so proud of the team we've assembled to bring this collection to life! Meet our designers below and dive into their captivating creations as we (finally!) unveil this eagerly awaited collection! With an incredible starting price of $10 per skein, we believe in making quality yarn accessible to all makers.
Meet On the Left Path Sweater and Windowcross Beret by Amy Gunderson
Second, I'm passionate about sustainability and reuse! When I first started knitting around 2008, I began mostly by unraveling thrift store sweaters and reknitting them into new things. Using yarn made partly from what would otherwise be waste sent to landfills feels very close to this and takes me back to my roots. I hate throwing away perfectly good and usable materials. And you'd never know this yarn was made from waste! It's drapey and lovely and amazing.
Meet Luberon Toque by Seth Richardson
Meet Lost Horse by Kacey Herlihy
Gansey Bay Cowl By Lena Skvagerson
I have always been inspired by the timeless beauty of traditional Gansey knitting patterns, and I wanted this crochet design to bring a touch of rustic elegance to modern fashion. The inspiration for the Gansey Bay Crochet Cowl came from a love of heritage craftsmanship and a desire to create a cute wearable piece that exudes warmth and comfort. I envisioned wearers strolling along the shores of Gansey Bay, feeling a sense of connectedness to the past through their handmade accessories.
Meet Olosa Shawl by Knot Bad Britt
Mankind Beanie by Lena Skvagerson
“Designing the Mankind Beanie, I was inspired by the ever-evolving world of fashion and a passion for cozy accessories. The idea was to create a beanie to wear whether you're strolling through city streets or hiking in the great outdoors. A beanie not only to keep your head warm during chilly days but also to elevate any outfit with a touch of sophistication. The ribbed texture adds a trendy twist, making it a must-have accessory for fashion-forward individuals who adore handmade charm. When it came to choosing the color, the deep hue of navy blue emerged as the obvious choice. I feel it brings an air of elegance and timelessness to the design. Navy blue complements various skin tones and outfit choices, ensuring the beanie becomes a beloved staple in any wardrobe. Designing this beanie with a Yarn Citizen's sustainable yarn was an absolute delight! It's not just any yarn, these yarns are planet-friendly superheroes! They're made with love and care for Mother Earth, using gentle dyeing methods that leave a tiny carbon footprint. Crafting with them feels like giving the Earth a warm, fuzzy hug!” -Lena Skvagerson
Peruvian Knit Shawl by Lena Skvagerson
my love for all things cozy. I wanted the patterns to be reminiscent of ancient Incan art. My choice of using graphite, natural, and driftwood colors was an ode to the raw beauty of nature. Graphite represents the dark, mysterious mountain peaks, while Natural symbolizes the warm embrace of Peruvian textiles. Driftwood captures the essence of the sandy shores, where land and sea intertwine in perfect harmony. Together, these colors create a harmonious blend that celebrates the diverse landscapes of Peru. Using a yarn from Yarn Citizen was a natural choice for the Peruvian Knit Shawl. Yarn Citizen's commitment to sustainability resonated deeply with the project's ethos. The yarn's premium quality and luxurious feel were the perfect match for bringing my shawl to life.” -Lena Skvagerson