Daria Rakowski is our guest today to discuss widely varying subjects from eyelash yarn merkins(!) to an overview of the Canadian yarn industry.
Image Copyright Daria Rakowski
Cloud 9 Fiberworks
Daria is the creative genius behind Cloud 9 Fiberworks, and is based in Winnipeg in Canada. Originally, she indulged in her love of yarn as a child. She would often be found under the table in her Aunt’s yarn shop in Winnipeg, untangling balls of yarn. She’s still an aficionado of vintage yarns from the period. Daria has a full time job, and produces hand dyed yarns and fibre as a side business.
From here, we entered a rather sinister rabbit hole, prompted entirely by the broaching of the subject of eyelash yarn. Somehow, we got through the uses of eyelash yarn very quickly. First up, was the knitted tinsel/eyelash yarn hedgehog. There are many patterns for knitted hedgehogs utilising the raw texture of eyelash yarn on Ravelry. However, the pattern I was referring to is by King Cole and features chunky tinsel spikes.
I can confirm there are no patterns for merkins whatsoever on Ravelry. Tinsel/eyelash or otherwise.
Image Copyright Daria Rakowski.
Inspiration for Hand Dyed Yarn Colourways
Daria takes her inspiration from many places. A lot of her yarns have a nod to fantasy and sci fi (with Star Trek and Harry Potter being two of the bigger influences). She also draws on random ideas, such as suggestions from customers or other inspiration.
Image Copyright Daria Rakowski
The Canadian Hand Dyed Yarn Scene
We discussed the Canadian hand dyed yarn market at depth, with regard to what is available to dye onto both commercially and as custom spins. The mills in Canada are few and even fewer are capable of handling long staple fibres. Although there is a great climate for growing wool and fibre in the country, it doesn’t necessarily translate to the ability to process these fibres. Also, the market is split into little ‘islands’ – there is so much geographical distance between groups, that it can be hard to both find breed yarns to try and be brave enough to do it.
Custom Blend Yarns
Daria had her own yarn commissioned which was a blend of merino, Shetland and Gotland from local farmers, into a singles, fingering weight yarn.
Image Copyright Daria Rakowski
Where Can You Find Cloud 9 Fireworks?
Website
Instagram
Ravelry
Facebook
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