If you’ve been in my shop, you already know—my business isn’t about chasing dollars. It’s about creating a space filled with love, fiber, and community. It’s about welcoming every single person who walks through the door like family. That’s also how I choose the yarns I carry: with heart. I only work with kind people whose passion shines through their work. And that’s why ArtYarns holds such a special place in mine.
I met Iris, the visionary behind ArtYarns, about 20 years ago during a Vogue Knitting Live event in New York City. As part of a special field trip, I had the incredible opportunity to visit her studio in New Jersey. There was lunch, a fashion show, a tour—it was everything a fiber lover could dream of. And Iris? She was just as warm, creative, and inspiring as the yarns she designs. That day stayed with me, and so has her yarn.
Let’s talk about Merino Cloud—if you’ve ever touched it, you know. It’s like butter in your hands. A luscious blend of 80% extrafine merino wool and 20% cashmere, with a generous 437 yards per skein, it’s sportweight perfection. And the colorways? They’re not just colors—they’re stories. Often, they even come with a pattern designed just for that yarn. Thoughtful, artistic, and deeply luxurious.
Another favorite base of mine is Silky Twist—80% extrafine wool, 20% silk. It’s technically a bulky weight yarn, but don’t be fooled—thanks to the twist and fiber content, it’s light and breathable enough for summer wear. It comes in solid and variegated shades and brings a gorgeous drape and shine to garments.
Over the years, I’ve knit many garments with ArtYarns—shawls, shrugs, tops—but my current love is a new pattern I’m working on called the Diamond Top. I’m using the LYS Colorway for 2025 in Merino Cloud, paired with ArtYarns Beads and Sequins for a touch of shimmer. It’s elegant, playful, and oh-so-soft. I’ve added sparkle detailing to the neckline, sleeves, and waist—it’s like jewelry built right into the garment.
Will it become a kit in the shop? Possibly. But fair warning: I may end up wearing it every day, because it’s just that stunning.
If you’ve never worked with ArtYarns, this is your sign. Come in, feel the yarn for yourself, and join our fiber family. Because when we knit with kindness, beauty always follows.
