Once
a week I post interviews with interesting people about their insights
on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed
that every one of these individuals makes their living in a slightly
different manner bringing their own unique presence to the Knitting
world.
You can find Tabi's yarns at Sericin Silkworks
here and
here on Ravelry.
Where do you find inspiration for your colourways?
Every trip to the dye pot is different. Sometimes it’s the inspiration of the
day... Sometimes it’s something from one of the
fashion/design/architecture blogs I follow. Sometimes I think about a favourite
customer’s colours, wondering if the yarn will end up in their hands.
How do you choose the fibers that you work with?
When I created Sericin, I envisioned the type of finished projects that
would be created from my yarns: heirloom shawls, fine weaving, elegant
accessories, perhaps a few fine sweaters. Truly special pieces in your
wardrobe. I’ve always been attracted to
silk and the luxury fibers that work best with it so I have been hand dyeing cashmere,
qiviut, mink, and buffalo for a few years. I’m intrigued by how dye
takes to different fibers. I source many fibers in their natural colours rather
than bleached, which is most common in the industry. Natural colours take the
dye subtly creating intensity and warmth.
How did you determine what weights of yarn you stock?
Because the fibers I work with are naturally very fine, I stock only lace weight and light fingering weight yarns. Nothing above sock. I have vague
fantasies about weaving with my hand dyed yarns someday...
Could you give us an idea of how long the process is to dye a batch of yarn
and prepare it for sale?
Silk takes a little longer to prep than other fibers as it requires
overnight pre-soaking. If I know I want to dye the next day I have to make sure
I have the fibers soaking the night before. So, it’s a 3 day process. Soak, dye,
dry. Then inventory, label and photo although this is usually batched with
other finished yarns and fibers.
Do you look at other dyers’ work or are you afraid that you will be
influenced by their yarns?
With the Internet it’s impossible not to look at other dyers’ work, and
there are certainly some dyers’ work I admire but every trip to the dye pot is
unique and everyday’s inspiration is different, so I don’t think I’m influenced.
I also work with different fibers than most dyers, possibly different dyes and
I mix from powder every time so results are different.
Are you a knitter as well?
Absolutely! And a spinner. For me, spinning was the key to understanding
fiber and yarn. Access to hand dyed silks for spinning is what led me to
dyeing. Dyeing yarn was the next logical step. I also create designs to
accompany my yarns.
Did you do a formal business plan?
I don’t have a formal business plan, but I start the year with a budget
and show/event plan. I lay out a dyeing schedule usually a few months in
advance of each show and try to introduce one or two new products a year. Everything
is inventoried when it comes in, after it’s dyed and when it sells to try and
keep on top of things so tax time is as painless as possible.
Do you have a mentor?
I don’t have a specific mentor but I find inspiration and support from my
friends many of whom are knitters and spinners. I love the fact that we all
have different strengths and styles. Can I do a little shout-out here to my
friends? Linda Choo, a prolific lace designer and hand spinner. I don’t think
she sleeps. SelinaS, also a designer with a very mathematically astute brain. I
love seeing how her clever patterns work. Laurie B who spins sheep and quietly
knits up a storm. Karen Crouch and her wonderful crew at Shall We Knit? in
Waterloo. Local guilds are also a source of inspiration and motivation. There
are so many talented people!
What impact has the Internet had on your business?
I have primarily been focusing on shows for the last few years because I
enjoy the interaction and inspiration I get from my customers. However
the Internet has been a large portion of my business as well. I’ve had an Etsy
shop since 2007, I opened Sericin on Etsy in 2010. Ravelry is an amazing
phenomenon. As a retired software developer, I’m impressed by its architecture
and design. As a knitter/spinner/designer/indie dyer, it’s a godsend. My plan
for 2014 is to grow the Internet/Ravelry/Etsy side of the business. I’m not
giving up shows though! They’re too much fun.
How do you maintain your life/work balance?
The few weeks before a show are a little crazy, but I find if I keep on
schedule I’m OK. I always try to finish up with 4 or 5 days to spare from
dyeing for the little things that always pop up and to mentally relax so I’m
fresh for the customers. I try to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and I’m
exceptionally lucky to have a wonderful partner, Matt Kadey, who is a cookbook author and recipe developer, so
I’m very well nourished.
How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?
Sericin doesn’t support me, but it does provide a significant portion of my
living expenses so I do rely on it.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in hand dyeing
yarns?
That’s a tough one. There are inherent dangers associated with dyeing that
are always in the back of my mind. I try to minimize the environmental aspect:
no plastic wrap, reuse gloves until they break down, dyes fully exhausted and
natural mordants. I mostly use chemical
dyes but in the fall I do a batch of natural dyes. If you’re going to do large
scale dyeing, make sure you have proper ventilation and a dedicated area. While
we get carried away creating beautiful colours, always keep in mind that you
have to sell all that beautiful yarn too. The marketing and selling is just as
large, if not a larger part of the business as the actual dyeing.
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