Cesium Yarn is one of those indie dyers that our community members have been requesting for years - we are so excited that we finally were able to get their gorgeous yarn in our shop for our September trunk show... And their story is just as fun as their yarn. Get to know Cat, the dyer behind Cesium Yarn below:
How did you get into dyeing? Tell us your story, and where you're located!
We’re currently located in Roanoke, Virginia. I started dyeing because I graduated with my chemistry degree in 2020 and didn’t want to do anything medical, but missed being in a lab setting. I was already crocheting non-stop so why not pick up dyeing as well? The rest is history.
What is your favorite part of the process?
My favorite part of the dyeing process is coming up with colors in a theme, and making them play together.
Where do you get your inspiration for colors?
A lot of our colors are inspired by nostalgia, so books, tv shows, movies, etc. We see the colors talked about or shown in those settings, and translate them to yarn.
How do you come up with names for the colors?
The colors then come from quotes from the nostalgia we’ve pulled from. Neighborhood of make believe is from Mr. Rogers. Homestead and Stoneware are vintage Pyrex colors. Know me better is from Muppets Christmas Carol
Which color best reflects your personality and why?
I think wildflowers (inspired by Dolly Parton) is one of my current favorites. It’s got contrasts that come together to create harmony throughout the skein.
Tell us about a WIP or a project in your queue that you're really excited about! Which of your yarns would you recommend for this (or these) project(s)?
I really want to get a
Jethro started! I think the tonals (pond of it, know me better, and homestead) paired with enchanted crown would make such a fun cardigan!
Of what you are sending us, what are your favorite colors or color combinations?
I think what’s super fun about the colors we sent are how well they play together. I think Pond of it with any of the variegated colors is just destined to be something good in brioche
What is your best knitting or crocheting tip?
Dont be scared! It’s not life or death, and you can rip it out and start over. Try the hard things and you’ll learn a lot. But also, put it down when you’re frustrated and walk away. It’ll be there and clear heads always prevail.
What are two interesting things about you that aren’t fiber related?
I am over 10 years cancer free, and I’m always ready to celebrate that! Also, I grew up participating in and teaching at circus camps, because that’s what my dad did. I can juggle, walk stilts, balloon twist, and more.
If you didn’t dye yarn, what would be your dream job?
If I wasn’t dyeing yarn, I would either want to be doing research in an inorganic chemistry lab, or working again in a library. The library was my last “normal” job before doing yarn full-time, and it was fantastic.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Keep asking questions and stay curious. The worst you can be told is no, so why not go for it.
Share with us one great thing you're either listening to or watching right now (audiobook/podcast/show/etc) - we love recommendations for what to check out while we're knitting!
I’m deep into He Who Fights With Monsters right now (the audiobooks!) and oh my goodness you should read them!!! I’m definitely partial to litRPG after reading Dungeon Crawler Carl, and this scratches that itch nicely.
