New Juniper Colors from Alchemy

When a box arrives from Alchemy, it's one that I open immediately.  I don't hesitate or finish whatever else I'm doing.  I really do drop everything to take a look at what Austin has sealed up for me.

 

I'm constantly impressed with the quality of dyeing that comes out of the studio at Alchemy Yarns of Transformation.  Each skein is perfectly saturated, the colors are not typical, and the names are unique.  And no matter what pattern you're choosing, it's likely they have a colorway or semi-solid Element that would make your work sing.

  

Want to know more about this awesome small company and their philosophy?  The following is courtesy of Alchemy:

The first touch, the initial glimpse of Alchemy Yarns of Transformation tells you we are passionate about everything we do. Combining time-honored Fine Art techniques, the highest quality fibers available worldwide, and a reverence for Nature’s palette, we create yarns – and thereby opportunities for creative expression that transcend the typical. Pleasing the senses, soothing the soul – we strive for nothing less than the transformative moment in art and life.

Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Sonoma County, our Northern California studios and farm blend with the surrounding orchards and vineyards. Here in this natural setting our “work family” practices the art of creating exquisite hand paint yarns. Each skein is thoughtfully and artistically painted, then steamed over an open fire. We hang our yarns from bamboo rods suspended across our land thereby allowing each skein to be dried by the cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean. We believe that our commitment to living life to its fullest – to recognizing health and healing and love and light in every breath – is captured in each skein of yarn we make. By creating Alchemy Yarns of Transformation with such intent, we trust this beauty is given over to you when you choose Alchemy in support of your creative expression.

It takes a village to make beautiful handpaint yarn -- but many villages are needed to make truly mindful fiber.

 

At Alchemy Yarns, we believe in social and global consciousness. We do not support mills or practices that condone human or animal suffering. We create partnerships with individuals and small companies who understand and honor the need for meaningful work, sustainable agriculture, and compassionate responsibility. Every aspect of creating our handpaint fiber -- from the harvesting of raw materials, to the environment in which our fiber is custom-spun, to the skilled painting techniques that bestow the color for which we are known worldwide -- is done with care and commitment. We love our fiber from start to finish, every single skein we make.

We do not use any chemicals in the many steps of creating our fiber. All natural mordants are used in applying color to the fiber; indeed, a single skein of our yarn can take 72 hours to produce. We allow our fiber to dry naturally, without heaters or other stress-inducing factors that can speed up the process of making yarn. In fact, we do everything we do in a slow, time-honored, and thoughtful way that allows for the creation of the world's most luxurious yarns. By choosing Alchemy, you are contributing to the social and economic well-being of the diverse cultures and loving hands that work to create our beautiful fibers.

 

Comments

[Donna]

I love Juniper - not only because of the social awareness & amazing colors which seem to glow but the base yarn is the most pleasant yarn to knit. It is soft & springy yet still durable. The pair I knit for my grandson for his 7th birth day still look like new & he'll be 8 in less than 2 weeks. I see at least 2 color ways I have to have above.

[Allison]

Donna, you're so right. I have a Vintage Jade sock on display in the store that's been washed and worn several times (and machine dried once too). It sits as an example of how nice the stitch definition is after much wear and washing and it still looks nearly perfect. The color hasn't faded at all and the knitted fabric still looks like new.

[April]

Man....quit showing me terrific yarn....I hate to be less than loyal to my new favorite Soulmate :) May have to put this on my "wish list"!