Why I Started Dyeing Yarn with Plants

What do an 18th-century hearth cooking class, Scottish waulking songs, quilting bees, medieval guilds, and today’s fiber festivals have in common? They all remind us that making has never been just about the finished object. In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, we’re exploring the rich history of gathering around craft. From women singing as they finished wool cloth in the Scottish Highlands to neighbors quilting together in rural America, people have always used making as a way to build community, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships. Join me as we look at the traditions that brought makers together for centuries—and why those same traditions still matter today. Whether it’s a guild meeting, a knit night, or a weekend fiber festival, the tools may have changed, but our desire to create together has not. Because sometimes the greatest thing we make… is community.

Step outside the dye studio and into the fields, forests, and roadsides of New England as we explore the colorful world of foraged dye plants. In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, we’ll take a closer look at three familiar wild plants—goldenrod, jewelweed, and Queen Anne’s lace—and discover the beautiful colors they can bring to natural fibers.

Ever wondered how one dye pot can produce a whole range of colors? In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, we’re diving into the fascinating world of mordants and modifiers—the behind-the-scenes chemistry that makes natural dyeing so endlessly surprising. Learn how mordants help color bond to fiber, how modifiers like acids and alkalines can dramatically shift a color, and why the same dye can produce completely different results with just a small change in the process. Along the way, I’ll share some of my favorite dye pot experiments, unexpected color transformations, and a few lessons learned from years of natural dyeing. Whether you’re a fiber artist, a curious maker, or simply someone who loves color, this episode offers a glimpse into the science, history, and magic behind naturally dyed yarn. One dye pot. Endless possibilities.

When most of us pick up a skein of alpaca yarn, we think about how soft it is, how warm it will be, and maybe what we’ll knit with it. But how often do we stop and think about the animals themselves? Today’s episode takes us all the way back to the beginning of the fiber journey. I’m joined by Marybeth and Kirstan from TLC Fiber Farm, a forever home for rescued alpacas and Snallygaster Fibers.We talk about what it’s really like to care for these remarkable animals, the personalities that make each alpaca unique, and what happens on shearing day—something that involves a lot more than just a haircut. We also follow the journey from fleece to finished yarn, discuss dyeing fiber, and share plenty of stories from life on an alpaca farm. So grab your knitting, your spinning wheel, or your favorite cup of tea, and join us as we step out of the dye studio and into the pasture.

Before synthetic dyes existed, color was power. Entire empires were built on purple. Wars were fought over trade routes carrying indigo. Some colors could only be worn by royalty. And today… we casually throw a red t-shirt in the wash without thinking twice about it.

If you’ve ever thought about learning to knit—or found yourself stuck halfway through a big project—this conversation might change how you think about it. Knitter/crocheter Jen Strom and I (& my dog Lemmy) sit down to chat about small projects with big joy. Because sometimes the best way to keep going… is to start small.

What really goes into running a yarn shop?   In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, I sit down with a yarn shop owner to talk about what makes a shop successful—from the yarns that fly off the shelves to what customers are really looking for when they walk through the door.   We also dive into what it’s like working with indie dyers, what stands out (and what doesn’t), and how the yarn world is evolving.   Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, or a maker hoping to get your products into shops, this conversation gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at the business of yarn.

In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from selling at markets—what draws people in, what actually sells, and what has me scratching my head.

In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, I share what really happens in the dye pot—from raw yarn to naturally dyed color. This process is at the heart of my work, where each skein is shaped by plants, time, and a little unpredictability.

In this first episode of Inside the Dye Studio, I talk about how I got started dyeing yarn using natural materials and how it grew into my business, The Speakman Sisters.