I really wanted to experiment with all kinds of yarn but I didn’t have the money to really invest in things like wool or cashmere. I had a huge supply of acrylic thanks to other people cleaning out their closets and occasionally I got some cotton (which seemed pretty fancy that the time). I stumbled across some websites where people discussed reclaiming yarn from sweaters. Most of these sweaters came from their own closets or thrift stores and for a few dollars (or even for free) these people got a huge pile of yarn from one sweater! I was instantly hooked. I was already an avid thrift store shopper so I just added another aisle to my routine and I began to hunt for the good stuff.

My first couple of tries were an adventure but soon I had a mountain of yarn. I learned how to knit and block lace, dye various fibers, felt wool, and how to make all kinds of mistakes and messes. I kept saying that I would love to sell this yarn because there was no way I could use all of it. Most of the time I enjoyed the shopping and unraveling more than the knitting so when I had the space and resources I opened my shop!

All of my sweaters are purchased from charitable thrift stores near where I live. My favorite one is the Salem Friends of Felines Thrift Store. I love their mission statement:
“To help as many homeless cats and kittens as we can by placing them in loving permanent homes; to reduce feline over-population through education and our spay/neuter assistance program; and to bring more public awareness to the plight of homeless and unwanted cats.”

The first step in my process (after washing the sweaters) is to rip out all of the seams gently. I avoid making any holes or putting any stress on the fibers. I then wind the yarn onto a yarn swift and try to note any knots or inconsistencies in the yarn. I measure the yarn and then wash it in a gentle, unscented wool wash. The yarn is hung to dry without any weight. The yarn is significantly less wavy after washing but not completely straight. The final steps are to weigh, tag, photograph, and list the yarn.