Let’s talk about something that isn’t nearly as fun as squishing yarn but affects every one of us who loves fiber: tariffs.
When I placed my order for La Bien Aimée yarn back in November 2024, I knew there would be some added costs. That’s just part of importing luxury yarns. But when the shipment finally arrived in April 2025, I was hit with something I hadn’t expected to be so steep. After already paying 50% upfront (non-refundable, of course), UPS handed me a hefty tariff bill on top of the shipping charges. Ouch.
Here’s the reality in simple numbers: if I pay $10.00 for a skein of yarn, and the tariff is 30%, that skein now costs me $13.00 before I even think about putting it on the shelf. And if the yarn is coming from India—which is where so many of our yarn blanks and industry supplies are sourced—the cost can jump to $15.00 a skein. Crazy, right?
Now multiply that across a whole shipment, and you can see how quickly things add up. If I don’t pass that cost along, I’d be losing money with every sale. And as much as I’d love to absorb it all, that simply isn’t sustainable for a small shop.
What makes this even harder is that there’s no consistency. Sometimes a shipment arrives with no tariff at all, and I think I’ve dodged the bullet. Other times, I’ll add the yarn to the shelves at regular price, only to be hit three days later with a surprise bill. There’s no clear rhyme or reason. It’s unpredictable, which makes it almost impossible to plan.
And it’s not just yarn. I used to purchase beautiful leather products from a company that worked directly with artisans in Ukraine. These weren’t just “products” — they were handmade items that supported people living in survival mode, families trying to get by in incredibly hard circumstances. But now, because tariffs are so high, that company has had to put all U.S. shipping on hold. The ripple effect is heartbreaking: not only does it affect what I can offer in the shop, it also cuts off a source of livelihood for people who truly need it.
This is where I pause and say: I completely understand the reasoning behind tariffs. They’re meant to protect American industry. But here’s the truth that many consumers don’t realize: very few yarns are made in America. Believe me, I’ve searched high and low. Most of the bases that indie dyers use come from India, Peru, or other countries. That means tariffs don’t fall on some distant foreign seller—they fall on me, on indie dyers, and ultimately, on you, the fiber lovers.
Some companies try to soften the blow by splitting the tariff cost with me, and I am deeply grateful for that. But most of the time, the burden gets pushed onto the U.S. buyer. Which means when you see a price increase at the shop, it isn’t because I’m chasing extra profit—it’s because I’m trying to keep our doors open without drowning in unexpected costs.
I want you to know that I’ve always worked hard to keep prices fair. I’ve stocked up where I can, I’ve compared every option, and I’ve done my best to plan ahead. But there are limits to how much I can prepare when the rules keep changing mid-game.
So, when you see that skein of yarn priced a little higher than before, I hope you’ll understand the story behind it. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about a global industry that feeds into our local shelves, about artisans and makers across the world, and about the survival of small shops like mine that are trying to keep the love of fiber alive.
Because at the end of the day, while tariffs may be out of my hands, my mission hasn’t changed: to bring you the best yarns, the most beautiful colors, and a place where community, creativity, and kindness always come first.
💖 Thank You
I can’t say it enough—thank you for supporting our little shop through these challenges. Every skein you buy, every class you join, every visit you make helps us continue to grow, share, and celebrate the joy of fiber together. You’re not just customers—you’re the heart of this community.
Yours truly and sincerely,
Doris Scott, proud 8 year owner of Yarn Store Boutique
