When non-knitters walk through the doors of Simply Socks Yarn Company, they can hardly believe that the craft of sock knitting supports such a grandiose display of color and fiber. Afterall, a non knitter can't imagine that there are people who choose to knit their own socks, let alone are passionate about it to the point of obsession (Yes, I'm obsessed. I admit it.), and that a store has been around for nearly eight years just to supply and inspire those knitters and crocheters.
So you can understand my awe of someone who has not only been in the fiber industry for 35 years, but has moulded it, inspired it, and done it all with integrity and imagination. Fleece Artist has made it through the ups and down of the knitting industry and its popularity, and has not only started trends in sock knitting like with Casbah (cashmere blend sock yarns, anyone??) but has stayed on the crest of the knitting wave for nearly four decades.
Kathryn Thomas, owner of Fleece Artist, was the first fiber artist I interviewed for the SSYC newsletter, and I've reprinted that interview below. But first, you must check out the fabulous deal in the Sale Section (likely starts on page 2 or 3) that Kathryn sent us on a special "Emily" worsted weight superwash merino/nylon yarn. For what would regularly be sold for $23, you can get a skein (or many) for $13 each. These would be perfect for thick socks (two skeins for a large pair), baby garments, baby blankets, or sweaters.
Don't hesitate if you see something you like, as I'm sure the colors will start selling out within a day, especially if you want multiples for larger projects. So check out your Ravelry queue to plan your project, or consider the Moderne Baby Blanket, or it's full sized cousin, Tea Leaves Cardigan, Feb Lady's Sweater, Beatnik, or Gramps. Then go to the Sale Section to see what's available.
Here are a few color collections to consider:
Spring multicolors with Beach House, Moondust and Stone

Baby semi solids, Jacobean Blue, Mint, Straw, Rose, Salt Spray, Ivory

Wearable semi-solids for sweaters, Periwinkle, Tourmaline, Plum, Amber, Beet, Cedar, Stardust, Charcoal, Ocean

So now, the interview with Kathryn Thomas from 2005:
SSYC: How did you start Fleece Artist?
K: Fleece Artist started in 1978 to supply fellow textile artists with hard-to-get natural fiber. In 1996 we built a dye-house and began selling our own colourways through yarn shops.
SSYC: As a knitter, it must be tempting to be surrounded by so much beautiful fiber. What do you like most about your job?
K: I like it most when customers are happy- then all the hard work pays off!
SSYC: Our customers are very happy with Fleece Artist. Your colorways are pretty unique. How do you come up with the ideas for your colorways and yarns?
K: We contract mills to spin our yarns to our specifications, and concentrate on luxury natural fiber: mostly wool, cashmere, and silk. Fleece Artist is comprised of five dyers, many from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, so there is lots of input and ideas about color. Because we do one-of-a-kind colorways, we can express many, many colors. We dye to order creating unique yarns for every customer.
SSYC: How did you learn to knit?
K: All my relatives knit- but back in those days, old grannies would whack fingers that dropped stitches... So I would sneak a peak and learn on my own!
SSYC: What is the one knitting project you just can’t or haven’t finished?
K: After 30 years, I finish everything now- no more unknitting for me! If a project is not turning out, it just becomes something else. I used to do sweater backs, get bored, then rip it out. I could have had the best pillow selection in the universe!
SSYC: When you are not working with fiber, what do you do to unwind?
K: Spend time with my dogs- sorry cat people!
SSYC: What do you think about the increase in the popularity of knitting?
K: It’s great! The young are taking up the craft; so many old crafts have died out. We know this will not happen to knitting!
* * *
Congrats to Kathryn, her daughter, and her staff. Your committment to the fiber industry and to your customers throughout the world is an inspiration to us all. Lets hope for at least 35 years more!