Talking to Yarn-Lovers: Kim Werker

By Tara, on July 30th, 2010

Welcome to the first installment of Talking to Yarn-Lovers. Each week I’ll have an interview with a different yarn-lover (maker, knitter, crocheter). If you want to share your yarn-love, sign up here and I’ll email you some questions!

Today I’m talking to Kim Werker, writer, editor, celebrator of ugly, and all-around-crafty-gal.

How long have you been knitting or crocheting?

I’ve been knitting for seven years and crocheting for six.

Where do you find handmade yarn? Do you have any favorites?

I find handmade yarn online, in local yarn shops, and at fibre festivals.

I’m absolutely in love with Felicia Lo’s Sweetgeorgia Yarns, which are hand-dyed here in Vancouver. I’m currently crocheting a shawl out of hand-dyed silk yarn from Indigo Moon, which also happens to be a local-ish yarn – she dyes off the coast on Gabriola Island.

What have you made with handspun yarn?

I made a hat with your yarn:

And I just crocheted a scarf in handspun yarn from Yummy Yarn (pictured at top of post)

What tips do you have for working with handspun yarn?

I love to let handspun yarn speak for itself – using simple stitches allows the texture of the yarn to really shine.

What tips do you have for working with handdyed yarn?

Swatch! See how the colours behave.

What tips do you offer for choosing an eco-friendly yarn?

Pay attention to cotton. Cotton can be one of the most eco-UNfriendly yarns out there. With more and more organic cottons on the market (indicating the cotton has been grown without using the harshest chemicals), it’s easier than ever to make smart decisions at the yarn store.

Oh, Kim makes a GREAT point about cotton! I wrote a bit about how bad cotton is for the environment here. Remember: just because it’s “natural”, doesn’t mean it isn’t drenched in chemicals!

Thanks, Kim, for sharing your tips + projects!

Kim is doing an awesome thing to raise money for a disease that’s ravaged her family. It’s the Pancreatic Craftacular and you can donate directly or buy something from a donor crafter. See all the donors here and remember that 20% of every skein of yarn I sell will go straight to Pancreatic Cancer research (until September 12).