by Emily Henkels

We celebrate Earth Day every day at String Theory, but the month of April is a particularly nice time to spotlight indie dyers that focus on sustainability in their inspiration and business model. We are so excited to host Sea Change Fibers for the first time ever at a String Theory Trunk Show beginning this weekend (on Local Yarn Shop Day!). Learn more about Sarah of Sea Change below, and what makes her yarn so special. And be sure to shop the Sea Change Trunk Show in the shop and online now through May 8!
  1. How did you get into dyeing? Tell us your story, and where you're located!
I started dyeing almost 10 years ago when I was working in a yarn shop in Portland OR. I was inspired to start dyeing non-SW yarn since so much out there was Superwash from indie dyers, and I wanted to provide the non-superwash version, as a fan of its structure and stability. 
  1. What is your favorite part of the process?
My favorite part is playing with colors, and also putting together sets of colors that work together beautifully. Also I love to explore the yarn from different sheep breeds and also the addition of silk, linen, and cotton
  1. Where do you get your inspiration for colors?
My inspiration entirely comes from nature - particularly the colors at the beach, in the ocean, in forests and flowers
  1. How do you come up with names for the colors?
I will usually reference what I saw that inspired creating the color. Sometimes also I’ll name something after a song, if the color reminds me of the album from where the song came from 
  1. Which color best reflects your personality and why?
For me it is the teal and green combinations because of my love of the ocean and the color of trees. Another important one is Lilac, which is the flower that is part of my birthday history.
  1. 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)?
Right now it’s the Prospect tee. It would be lovely in either Coastline sport or Littoral fingering and is such a wonderful fit. I have made the Prospect Pullover in Ravine, and it is a delight. 
  1. Of what you are sending us, what are your favorite colors or color combinations?
My favorites are Stormy Seas, Kelp Forest, Frog Pond, and Lilac
  1. What is your best knitting or crocheting tip?
My best recommendation is to swatch and wash the yarn to make sure that you are using the correct knitting needle. I also recommend marking progress on the pattern. 
  1. What are two interesting things about you that aren’t fiber related?
One is that I am very focused on the community and support of people. Another is my fixation on living an environmentally responsible life that values nature and the future of the earth. 
  1. If you didn’t dye yarn, what would be your dream job?
My other dream job would to be a teacher. 
  1. What is the best advice you've ever received?
Good question! The best advice for yarn dyeing was to explore playing with lots of color combinations and find the ones that make me happy when I produce them.
  1. 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’ve been watching Shrinking on Apple TV and love it. Because I’m so busy, I don’t have much time to watch or listen to these - I only watch a show while I’m twisting and labeling yarn.