Have you ever seen stunning yarn and its inspiration picture and wondered the story behind that yarn or where you can find it? We have an interview with Robin of Rose Hill Yarns who has some of my favorite yarns and color ways and her story is an amazing one! Read on for more information about her and her shop as well as some ideas (pattern and yarn combinations) for what you can do with her yarn. :)

You can find her beautiful yarns on her website and behind the scenes as well as updates on new projects on her Instagram Profile.

Yarn Dyeing with Rose Hill Yarns

How did you start Rose Hill Yarns?

Slowly, with only buying a few skiens at a time and few dyes. I would post pics on Facebook and Instagram. As interest grew (not only in my colourway but a growing crafting community), I was able to purchase more inventory and equipment.

What gave you the idea/inspiration?

I was always a advide knitter. I would have ideas of a particular colourway that I would like to use for my project but I was never able to find the colour I was looking for. Even if I did, it was difficult to get my hands on it. At that time there was not a lot of indie dyers in my area and only one LYS 2 hours away. So I thought, how hard could it be? I clearly underestimated the amount of work that goes into starting a crafting business and even though I had a lot to learn, it’s been a fun journey. 

Tell us a little about yourself.

My first career was in Emergency Medicine. Where I met my husband. We had our son who had medical needs so returning to a full time, emotional job was not really a option. Its true that my son needed me but its also true that I need him. Leaving emergency medicine was never a regret. It never really felt right and I don’t think I realized how much I didn’t like it until I started a family and began mixing colours and playing with string.

How long has Rose Hill Yarns been around?

I think officially since 2016 but I’ve been dyeing yarn for a little longer.

What is Rose Hill Yarns all about?

I truly do not know all my customers personally. But being in the crafting community and attending markets, knit nights, and a few retreats, I’ve noticed that knitters and crocheters tend to be really selfless people. I hear stories about shawls for the bridesmaids and mitts for the bus driver, socks for the husband. Even though the yarn they buy from me will most often be made into something beautiful for someone else, I still want my customers to feel valued. That little, old me sitting in my farmhouse has made someone, that I’ve never met, smile. Even if it’s only for a moment.

How did you get started in yarn dyeing?

With a slow cooker from goodwill, lol. I had some time on my hands and a bit of nervous energy, I think most special needs moms have, well all moms actually. But slowly as my friends and family became interested in my colourways, so did others. My first fibre market, I had expected not to be busy. I had thought I would walk around and buy some yarn and maybe talk to a “real” dyer. But I was busy. People even asked for colourways by name and I thought ok well, I guess, I’m really doing this.

How do you choose the yarns names and colors you create?

When I first became a dyer, I really underestimated the importance of a great colourway name. But a great name, really brings a colourway to life. I think it helps the knitters/crocheters see what I see when I look at those colours. Now that I realize its important, choosing a name can be painfully brutal. Sometimes, I’ll have a name before hand and I’ll create a colourway around the name. Like Brownie Batter, I have not made it yet but trust me, it’s gonna be awesome. My sister helps, both with coming up with creative names and rejecting the bad ones. One late night market prep night, she absolutely refused to name a colourway Broken Beer Bottles, I did however get to name a vibrate orange colourway Prison Jumpsuit so we all have our compromises. 

How do you choose the yarns types you dye?

That decision is mostly up to the designers. I could not for the life of me, figure out what someone would knit with a 10 or 20 gram mini. But then all the patterns started popping up with minis. Mohair and Suri are fibres I would not have chosen as it tends to smell like wet dog when dyeing but it sure looks beautiful in a Lovenote. Also seasons, crafters want the lighter weights in the summer and thicker in the winter. 

What has inspired you to create different yarns? Different Colourways?

Seasons are good inspiration. Its also important to look at colour trends and the colour of the year by Pantone. I’m found of the natural tones but the crazy ones are fun too. 

What is your favorite yarn to work with?

Despite not understand what someone would knit with a mini in the beginning. I really enjoy putting together a mini set. Some colours or dyes just do not work well together so having the mini kits makes it easier to put together colours in a kit without it becoming a total mess.

What would you tell a new yarn dyer and fiber artist for encouragement?

Well, I’d like to tell them things I didn’t know. It may have been obvious to other dyers but not to me. Do not underestimate a good colourway name. Labels as in the yarn band (I have a tag but same thing), is important for wholesale orders. Generally speaking, LYS owners want beautiful colourways but they also want a label that easy to read and understand. Be true to your brand as long as your brand is truly you. I’ve met a lot of dyers and the most fascinating ones, are the ones that are genuine. Also, invest in a fire extinguisher and a good burn cream. Yarn is apparently flammable and it holds heat longer than you think.

What is something you are passionate about and why?

I’m passionate about my family and my children (of course). I’m passionate about creating and how important it should be in everyones life. Not everyone is a knitter (learned that one the hard way) but everyone should find that creative outlet for themselves. Its helped me find the confidence I need to be a better everything.

If you had one (or several) things to share with a woman entrepreneur, what would it be? What would you encourage them about?

Well its confidence. I think women put so much of themselves into everything they do. So when it doesn’t work out or we get straight out rejected, its really difficult to keep putting yourself out there. But you have too. Over and over again. You will feel intimidated and some people are just plain mean but you just have to keep going to the markets or meeting or shops or organization or what have you. It does take time, just time to get your brand out there. Take every opportunity that comes your way no matter how small. Either the small opportunity will lead to a bigger opportunity or  you will just keep doing a bunch of small opportunities until it equals a bigger opportunity. I’m not sure that made sense but the take away is ,If you love it, Don’t quit.

What is a lesson learned for being a woman entrepreneur that you wish someone had told you when you first started?

Just do it. Yup, I know I think Nike said it first but just do it. Take that leap. Its never going to be a good time. Don’t worry about the end game and just f-ing start.

What is your dream for Rose Hill Yarns to be (where do you see Rose Hill Yarns in 5+ years)?

Ha now you have me thinking about the end game. I’d like to grow Rose Hill of course. I have fantasies of having my own LYS. I would have my own brand in there (of course) but I would also want to have it dedicated to carry all those fascinating indie dyers I mentioned earlier. And the new indie dyers because there is always going to be the new guy who brings something amazing to the table. It will also have a espresso machine, possibly a margarita bar but I may have to nail that back.

If you like this, you may like:

• Crochet Stitch Tutorials

• Step by Step Blocking your Handmade

• Thriving as a Crochet Designer with Facial Differences

There are so many things to do with Robin’s gorgeous yarns, you can find many ideas on our Start Here page and I have also included some patterns from our Crochet Stitch Tutorials that would be amazing in specific color ways in her shop. :)

One of my favorite colorways (Stardust on the left above or Merry and Bright on the right) would make an incredible Valencia Infinity Cable Crochet Sweater from Briana K Designs (pattern links for Briana K Designs can be found on cable crochet tutorial) although any of the gorgeous colorways (like the bottom two - right What’s Up Danger and left is the Stormy Dawn Shawl kit) by Rose Hill Yarns would be perfect any of Briana K Designs crochet patterns to include the Children’s Infinity Cape in the middle (I have heard that an adult version is being created as well yay!!) .

Casale Crafts has several gorgeous crochet patterns using the Suzette Stitch (you can find all the links on the Suzette Stitch Tutorial) that would be amazing in the above colors (or really any from Rose Hill Yarns). The top left (Lemon Leaf Mint) and the top right (Honey Camomile) would be beautiful with the Megara Crop Top and Pants set (in the middle). Orange Spice and Sage and Frosty Pine would be stunning in the Triple Threat Dress and so many more combinations using any of the patterns found in the Crochet Stitch Tutorials! I can’t wait to see what you make!!!

Thank you for joining us with this interview of Robin of Rose Hill Yarns. If there are patterns that you have used with Rose Hill Yarn’s gorgeous yarn that you would like to share or other makers you would recommend for an interview on our website, please either email me or comment below. Thank you my friend, and have a wonderful day full of health and wellness.