I am the blog reader and posed the question about yarn. I know that no one is getting rich working in the yarn business. Not a one. In fact I see people having to do other things in order to maintain their yarn store. They can add additional complimentary products, weaving, spinning, dyeing. Or in one owners experience do her old job two days a week. I guess I am remembering back to the late 1980s when skeins of worsted weight could go for $8.50 and you could easily get a sweater for under $100. I can still do that today, but it takes a lot of time. Up until 7 years ago I was employed, I lived on the east-coast and there were a fair amount of yarn stores. Now I am retired, don't live on the east-coast, and given the current economy very aware of the cost of things. Groceries have gone up tremendously, car repairs, house repairs, and other life experiences all cost a great deal now. I could grocery shop for $150 biweekly, that is gone now. Just this past week I crashed over the $250 mark and was buying necessities only and on sale items. No extra income for yarn. I know there are many people in the supply line and from sheep to lys it is continually increasing in price. I am now recognizing that there will be no yarn crawls this year, or trips to far away lands to see yarn in its natural habitat. I hoped then when I retired that there would be more time to knit and buy yarn. I think there is an old saying "You make plans and God laughs" is where I am now. I also realize that I am better off in many respects, I stashed seriously when I was employed. I had magazines I could buy Vogue Knitting, Knitters, interweave knits and the fall always meant a couple of new books. That has drastically changed, While I love the internet because we can have these conversations, I miss print magazines. See, it is that vixen change! I can still and do knit for myself and others. I use more acrylics than I have ever used because the recipients are busy and can't take care of a wool hat. I also donate to orphanages, American Indian warm clothes drives and knit the occasional pair of thick socks.
I have also noticed a lot of yarn stores closing and I really mourn these oasis of texture and possibilities. I know that yarn goes in and out as a trend. I know I can still buy a great pattern. You made a remark that hopefully our salaries have increased over the years. My personal experience is that my salary did not increase nor did the income of a lot of people. IT is just that reality for a lot of people. I also think that when a newbie knitter comes into a store everything is beautiful and wonderful until they see the price tag. Knitting is now expensive. Once you get "into the life" you find resources that help you along. The kind knitter that sits next to you at your yarn store mentions she has extra yarn and would you like it? We knitters, I have found, once we get to know you offer lots of yarn, patterns, needles to the newbies.
So while $15 is a lot for a skein of yarn, the reality is, that no one is getting rich knitting. That $15 employs a wide range of experts at various phases of yarn production. I can get hours of fun and possibly make a patchwork quilt, hand-warmers, socks or sew up all my swatches and make a blanket!
Thank you for being the spark for this article, Patty. You are fortunate to have a good stash of yarn to knit from. And you can still refresh your stash with new yarn by looking for sales. I'm a big fan of watching for yarn (and other things I'm lusting after) to go on sale, then scooping it up at the discounted price. Sometimes this means the colors I want are not available. I take this as a sign that the yarn (or whatever) wasn't meant to be mine.
We need to re-train ourselves to stop thinking that more is better.
Patty, nice comment that covers your take on the costs issues. We all are needing to come to terms with our changing times. Everything will cost more.... possibly a lot more. We Americans have been spoiled in some respects. (I might say IMHO we have also been paying in other ways for the relatively cheap costs we have all gotten used to. But I will leave that vent for another time.) What I wanted to remark on is our need to get back to valuing what we purchase. Take the time to be real about how we use our items and what we expect from them. Then take on the habit of saving for what we want and watching for sales! Learning patience is something we all can use.. One other source of yarn is second hand stores. Whether actual yarn from discarded unfinished projects or reclaiming yarn from a wool garments or afghans. Surprising what is out there when you view wool like this.
So true! A lot of people don’t realize the cost of operating a brick and mortar store and buy yarn exclusively online even when there is a brick and mortar nearby. I had to close mine after 10 years due to the rent/utilities being more than I could handle and it was one of the saddest events of my life.
I'm so sorry you had to close your store. I think the pandemic had a huge impact on brick-and-mortar businesses. We all got comfortable with ordering nearly everything online, and local retail stores continue to suffer the consequences. If we value the experience of seeing yarn in person before we buy, we have to be willing to support local yarn stores with our dollars. When people bemoan the closing of yet another yarn store, ask "when did you last make a purchase there?" It's the same with the demise of print magazines.
Thank you so much for this detailed article, Sandi. While the price of some yarns might put me off, I could never begrudge a company trying to stay afloat. I think I mentioned once (or twice) that years ago I tried to have a little business selling hand spun, hand dyed cotton yarn. Since it was just me, I burned out quickly. My brief experience with that business made me aware of all the things that go into a business, things—like labor—that have a cost. I have deep respect for anyone who makes and sells yarn. As it is, I have so much yarn stashed in my cedar chest (and some of that yarn was added after I started reading your newsletter 😉) that I really don’t need to buy any more. I just love yarn and, like you, I look for the sales and discounts that fit with my fixed income. By the way, I read your Superwash article. I’ve knitted a lot of Superwash, mainly kid stuff since I knew the parents would hate me to give them something that had to be hand washed, plus I don’t like handwashing either. After reading your article, I don’t plan to buy Superwash anymore.
Absolutely agree - everyone deserves a living wage. I was in a yarn shop a few weeks ago while someone was pitching their locally hand spun yarn from their own sheep to the owner. She was explaining what her cut equates to. I don't buy much yarn as knitting isn't my main passion but I sincerely hope there will be some of it to buy when I next go shopping.
In most yarn stores, it's difficult to sell hand-spun yarn. The majority of the customers aren't prepared to pay what such yarn costs. And most hand spinners don't produce yarn in sweater-quantities.
Locally in the Pacific NW we are lucky to have a few yarn shops that have various events and classes including spinning and trunk shows by local spinners. We can sign-up for their newsletters to find out what is available. Fall is usually very active!
We heartily agree -- as a small fiber mill and raiser of Shetland sheep that we exclusively hand roo instead of shear. There are no vacations in this life -- but we live this life with people and animals we love, producing products we are proud to offer.
You make some very good points that many people need to learn about. Unfortunately, we live in a throw away society that have gotten used to buying items that have been deemed throw away after two months. I have been so very disappointed with the quality of clothing available in retail by many different chain stores. Some fortunately do use better quality materials,but still a throwaway society. I have found that better quality yarns are much friendlier to my hands and are more comfortable to wear in a finished garment than the less expensive yarns that have a large petroleum based fiber. (Oh BTW oil production has been greatly curtailed - oil is not only used for gasoline and diesel but also many other products including clothing). A $15.00 minimum wage means that many items will cost more. A $15.00/hr minimum wage is $31,200 plus $7,800 per year in wages and benefits as a minimum.
It's shocking that a $15 minimum wage is controversial. What kind of lifestyle can $31,000/year buy? You couldn't rent a decent apartment or support children at that income level.
This is true. I was trying to make the point regarding the reason that yarn costs what it does. I believe that there are independent LYS that struggle to make a living wage.
According to AARP In 20 states, the 2024 hourly minimum wage for workers who don’t get tips will be the same as the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for nontipped workers, which hasn’t been raised since 2009. --- Just leaves me shaking my head.
Well said Sandi! Thanks for this. And for the fabulous Superwash article. I’ve never liked the stuff (slippery to spin and knit, insufficiently bouncy— and you can’t spit-ply!!!) so am thrilled that you’re sharing the whys and wherefores. Thanks
Completely agree, Sandi. And it goes even beyond that. Part of the cost of some domestic yarns comes from the fact that they are made using dual certified wool. That means the consumers are assured that the land, people, and animals are treated fairly and the processes and facilities are regularly audited. Those certifications cost a significant chunk of money as well.
You are spot on about the role of personal choice in spending. We love and appreciate our customers and we also totally understand our products aren’t for everyone, but we also know we aren’t the only yarn option in the market. We have chosen to focus on domestic wool, and specifically, certified wool.
The other consideration is that many dyers use home dyeing facilities. We have done that - and it means your overhead costs are tangled up with your personal living expenses. It also can mean you have less access to certain grants, business loans, and other financial influx for your business because you have a home based business.
In the end, it’s all about making choices - choosing a path, and heading in that direction.
Perhaps the most dangerous thing we can do as consumers is just not care where anything comes from or how it ended up costing what it does…
I recommend other readers check out the gorgeous hand-dyed yarn produced by Ladianne and her partner, Sheri Osborne, over at https://www.wooltribeyarn.co. These are good people doing work worthy of your yarn dollars.
Sandi, everything you said was totally on point. Consumers should also understand that the same is true for yarns made in the UK, Italy and throughout Europe, as well as Peru. The cost of doing business for each part of the supply chain is sizeable and require larger production to make it economically feasible. When someone buys a ball of yarn, they are purchasing the work of a lot of people to make something of high caliber from start to finish.
This is such a thoughtful essay with many good points, thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge! I particularly resonated with this quote: “Or you can buy high-quality yarn made from natural fibers by companies that treat people, land, and animals with respect. This yarn won’t be inexpensive. And that’s as it should be.” I know my readers will find it interesting and definitely worth reading, so I've shared it with them in my Sunday post.
I own a yarn shop. We all have our favorite parts of being involved, but we all love customers, who are excited about what project they are involved in. Yes, yarns are expensive…gone are the $1.00 a ball. We all realize that when you spend all that time and the yarn you chose was on the higher end, you have an eyecatcher finished project. It will be a classic and fit fashions for many years. Judge yourself by the project you made with less expensive yarns to the higher end. Which one looks and lasts the best. Which one you would gladly give away and which one you hold onto for “dear life”. If the piece looks great, you will find people will gladly purchase a “one of a kind” with good quality yarn. It is entertainment as well as adding monies to your personal coffers.
Thanks for adding your views, Sharon. And best wishes for your shop! Having owned a yarn store myself from 2000 to 2007, I know it's not an easy way to make a living.
This is why i spin my own yarns in part. Even the most expensive wool produces yarn cheaper than I can buy it. I exchange my own time and effort to replace money I don’t have. The bonus is I can produce the yarn I want when I want it. I bought all the equipment I need for this when I could afford it happily. I usually bought used equipment as well because spinning is not an inexpensive hobby since like most hobbies there is always more one can list after. 😋😊
I have no problem with the cost of yarn. It is worth every penny to get 'quality' yarn. We put a great deal of time into our knitted items. I like to support the industry, especially the Indy dyers.
Sandi, I am in total agreement with your take on the costs of wool. It seems many big name designers have had to bow to the real costs, too. Their prices have always been above what the average person can afford, but now ... well lets just say you could remodel your kitchen for what you might pay for some items! Love the Superwash article. You a have gift for covering a lot of details succinctly. IMO - your article is a must read for any wool lover.
Like you I was clueless about our country's history as revealed in Ultra. Where is the PBS series on this?! Rachels producer Steve Benen has just released a book - Ministry of Truth on our political history that is said to be excellent. I am adding to my stack.
Thanks for pointing me toward Ministry of Truth. Maddow's book Prequel also covers this period in history and the parallels to our current political climate.
I am the blog reader and posed the question about yarn. I know that no one is getting rich working in the yarn business. Not a one. In fact I see people having to do other things in order to maintain their yarn store. They can add additional complimentary products, weaving, spinning, dyeing. Or in one owners experience do her old job two days a week. I guess I am remembering back to the late 1980s when skeins of worsted weight could go for $8.50 and you could easily get a sweater for under $100. I can still do that today, but it takes a lot of time. Up until 7 years ago I was employed, I lived on the east-coast and there were a fair amount of yarn stores. Now I am retired, don't live on the east-coast, and given the current economy very aware of the cost of things. Groceries have gone up tremendously, car repairs, house repairs, and other life experiences all cost a great deal now. I could grocery shop for $150 biweekly, that is gone now. Just this past week I crashed over the $250 mark and was buying necessities only and on sale items. No extra income for yarn. I know there are many people in the supply line and from sheep to lys it is continually increasing in price. I am now recognizing that there will be no yarn crawls this year, or trips to far away lands to see yarn in its natural habitat. I hoped then when I retired that there would be more time to knit and buy yarn. I think there is an old saying "You make plans and God laughs" is where I am now. I also realize that I am better off in many respects, I stashed seriously when I was employed. I had magazines I could buy Vogue Knitting, Knitters, interweave knits and the fall always meant a couple of new books. That has drastically changed, While I love the internet because we can have these conversations, I miss print magazines. See, it is that vixen change! I can still and do knit for myself and others. I use more acrylics than I have ever used because the recipients are busy and can't take care of a wool hat. I also donate to orphanages, American Indian warm clothes drives and knit the occasional pair of thick socks.
I have also noticed a lot of yarn stores closing and I really mourn these oasis of texture and possibilities. I know that yarn goes in and out as a trend. I know I can still buy a great pattern. You made a remark that hopefully our salaries have increased over the years. My personal experience is that my salary did not increase nor did the income of a lot of people. IT is just that reality for a lot of people. I also think that when a newbie knitter comes into a store everything is beautiful and wonderful until they see the price tag. Knitting is now expensive. Once you get "into the life" you find resources that help you along. The kind knitter that sits next to you at your yarn store mentions she has extra yarn and would you like it? We knitters, I have found, once we get to know you offer lots of yarn, patterns, needles to the newbies.
So while $15 is a lot for a skein of yarn, the reality is, that no one is getting rich knitting. That $15 employs a wide range of experts at various phases of yarn production. I can get hours of fun and possibly make a patchwork quilt, hand-warmers, socks or sew up all my swatches and make a blanket!
thanks so much for the article.
Patty
Thank you for being the spark for this article, Patty. You are fortunate to have a good stash of yarn to knit from. And you can still refresh your stash with new yarn by looking for sales. I'm a big fan of watching for yarn (and other things I'm lusting after) to go on sale, then scooping it up at the discounted price. Sometimes this means the colors I want are not available. I take this as a sign that the yarn (or whatever) wasn't meant to be mine.
We need to re-train ourselves to stop thinking that more is better.
Patty, nice comment that covers your take on the costs issues. We all are needing to come to terms with our changing times. Everything will cost more.... possibly a lot more. We Americans have been spoiled in some respects. (I might say IMHO we have also been paying in other ways for the relatively cheap costs we have all gotten used to. But I will leave that vent for another time.) What I wanted to remark on is our need to get back to valuing what we purchase. Take the time to be real about how we use our items and what we expect from them. Then take on the habit of saving for what we want and watching for sales! Learning patience is something we all can use.. One other source of yarn is second hand stores. Whether actual yarn from discarded unfinished projects or reclaiming yarn from a wool garments or afghans. Surprising what is out there when you view wool like this.
Sandy S. I couldn’t agree more.
So true! A lot of people don’t realize the cost of operating a brick and mortar store and buy yarn exclusively online even when there is a brick and mortar nearby. I had to close mine after 10 years due to the rent/utilities being more than I could handle and it was one of the saddest events of my life.
I'm so sorry you had to close your store. I think the pandemic had a huge impact on brick-and-mortar businesses. We all got comfortable with ordering nearly everything online, and local retail stores continue to suffer the consequences. If we value the experience of seeing yarn in person before we buy, we have to be willing to support local yarn stores with our dollars. When people bemoan the closing of yet another yarn store, ask "when did you last make a purchase there?" It's the same with the demise of print magazines.
Thank you so much for this detailed article, Sandi. While the price of some yarns might put me off, I could never begrudge a company trying to stay afloat. I think I mentioned once (or twice) that years ago I tried to have a little business selling hand spun, hand dyed cotton yarn. Since it was just me, I burned out quickly. My brief experience with that business made me aware of all the things that go into a business, things—like labor—that have a cost. I have deep respect for anyone who makes and sells yarn. As it is, I have so much yarn stashed in my cedar chest (and some of that yarn was added after I started reading your newsletter 😉) that I really don’t need to buy any more. I just love yarn and, like you, I look for the sales and discounts that fit with my fixed income. By the way, I read your Superwash article. I’ve knitted a lot of Superwash, mainly kid stuff since I knew the parents would hate me to give them something that had to be hand washed, plus I don’t like handwashing either. After reading your article, I don’t plan to buy Superwash anymore.
Thank you, Marie!
Thank. you. Well said. Greatly appreiated.
You're welcome, Myrna.
Absolutely agree - everyone deserves a living wage. I was in a yarn shop a few weeks ago while someone was pitching their locally hand spun yarn from their own sheep to the owner. She was explaining what her cut equates to. I don't buy much yarn as knitting isn't my main passion but I sincerely hope there will be some of it to buy when I next go shopping.
In most yarn stores, it's difficult to sell hand-spun yarn. The majority of the customers aren't prepared to pay what such yarn costs. And most hand spinners don't produce yarn in sweater-quantities.
Locally in the Pacific NW we are lucky to have a few yarn shops that have various events and classes including spinning and trunk shows by local spinners. We can sign-up for their newsletters to find out what is available. Fall is usually very active!
We heartily agree -- as a small fiber mill and raiser of Shetland sheep that we exclusively hand roo instead of shear. There are no vacations in this life -- but we live this life with people and animals we love, producing products we are proud to offer.
Donalee - Please add a link to your website. I'd love to take a look at the products you offer.
Thank you for asking! rodgerfamilyfarm.com
You make some very good points that many people need to learn about. Unfortunately, we live in a throw away society that have gotten used to buying items that have been deemed throw away after two months. I have been so very disappointed with the quality of clothing available in retail by many different chain stores. Some fortunately do use better quality materials,but still a throwaway society. I have found that better quality yarns are much friendlier to my hands and are more comfortable to wear in a finished garment than the less expensive yarns that have a large petroleum based fiber. (Oh BTW oil production has been greatly curtailed - oil is not only used for gasoline and diesel but also many other products including clothing). A $15.00 minimum wage means that many items will cost more. A $15.00/hr minimum wage is $31,200 plus $7,800 per year in wages and benefits as a minimum.
It's shocking that a $15 minimum wage is controversial. What kind of lifestyle can $31,000/year buy? You couldn't rent a decent apartment or support children at that income level.
This is true. I was trying to make the point regarding the reason that yarn costs what it does. I believe that there are independent LYS that struggle to make a living wage.
According to AARP In 20 states, the 2024 hourly minimum wage for workers who don’t get tips will be the same as the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for nontipped workers, which hasn’t been raised since 2009. --- Just leaves me shaking my head.
It's appalling.
Well said Sandi! Thanks for this. And for the fabulous Superwash article. I’ve never liked the stuff (slippery to spin and knit, insufficiently bouncy— and you can’t spit-ply!!!) so am thrilled that you’re sharing the whys and wherefores. Thanks
Thank you, Sarah!
Completely agree, Sandi. And it goes even beyond that. Part of the cost of some domestic yarns comes from the fact that they are made using dual certified wool. That means the consumers are assured that the land, people, and animals are treated fairly and the processes and facilities are regularly audited. Those certifications cost a significant chunk of money as well.
You are spot on about the role of personal choice in spending. We love and appreciate our customers and we also totally understand our products aren’t for everyone, but we also know we aren’t the only yarn option in the market. We have chosen to focus on domestic wool, and specifically, certified wool.
The other consideration is that many dyers use home dyeing facilities. We have done that - and it means your overhead costs are tangled up with your personal living expenses. It also can mean you have less access to certain grants, business loans, and other financial influx for your business because you have a home based business.
In the end, it’s all about making choices - choosing a path, and heading in that direction.
Perhaps the most dangerous thing we can do as consumers is just not care where anything comes from or how it ended up costing what it does…
Thank you for weighing in, Ladi!
I recommend other readers check out the gorgeous hand-dyed yarn produced by Ladianne and her partner, Sheri Osborne, over at https://www.wooltribeyarn.co. These are good people doing work worthy of your yarn dollars.
Sandi, everything you said was totally on point. Consumers should also understand that the same is true for yarns made in the UK, Italy and throughout Europe, as well as Peru. The cost of doing business for each part of the supply chain is sizeable and require larger production to make it economically feasible. When someone buys a ball of yarn, they are purchasing the work of a lot of people to make something of high caliber from start to finish.
So good to hear from you, Linda! I hope you're doing well.
All good - seems like you're having a busy summer!
It's true! I'm immensely grateful to have so much work.
Everyone’s definition of “too much“ is different. That’s why there are so many ways and places to buy yarn and so many price points.
This is such a thoughtful essay with many good points, thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge! I particularly resonated with this quote: “Or you can buy high-quality yarn made from natural fibers by companies that treat people, land, and animals with respect. This yarn won’t be inexpensive. And that’s as it should be.” I know my readers will find it interesting and definitely worth reading, so I've shared it with them in my Sunday post.
Thank you, Jodie!
I own a yarn shop. We all have our favorite parts of being involved, but we all love customers, who are excited about what project they are involved in. Yes, yarns are expensive…gone are the $1.00 a ball. We all realize that when you spend all that time and the yarn you chose was on the higher end, you have an eyecatcher finished project. It will be a classic and fit fashions for many years. Judge yourself by the project you made with less expensive yarns to the higher end. Which one looks and lasts the best. Which one you would gladly give away and which one you hold onto for “dear life”. If the piece looks great, you will find people will gladly purchase a “one of a kind” with good quality yarn. It is entertainment as well as adding monies to your personal coffers.
Thanks for adding your views, Sharon. And best wishes for your shop! Having owned a yarn store myself from 2000 to 2007, I know it's not an easy way to make a living.
This is why i spin my own yarns in part. Even the most expensive wool produces yarn cheaper than I can buy it. I exchange my own time and effort to replace money I don’t have. The bonus is I can produce the yarn I want when I want it. I bought all the equipment I need for this when I could afford it happily. I usually bought used equipment as well because spinning is not an inexpensive hobby since like most hobbies there is always more one can list after. 😋😊
I have no problem with the cost of yarn. It is worth every penny to get 'quality' yarn. We put a great deal of time into our knitted items. I like to support the industry, especially the Indy dyers.
Sandi, I am in total agreement with your take on the costs of wool. It seems many big name designers have had to bow to the real costs, too. Their prices have always been above what the average person can afford, but now ... well lets just say you could remodel your kitchen for what you might pay for some items! Love the Superwash article. You a have gift for covering a lot of details succinctly. IMO - your article is a must read for any wool lover.
Like you I was clueless about our country's history as revealed in Ultra. Where is the PBS series on this?! Rachels producer Steve Benen has just released a book - Ministry of Truth on our political history that is said to be excellent. I am adding to my stack.
Thanks for pointing me toward Ministry of Truth. Maddow's book Prequel also covers this period in history and the parallels to our current political climate.
Sandi, All you've written about the cost of yarn is so true in my experience. And I would like you to please get out of my head now. xoxo
Ha ha ha! But your head is such a fun place to be!
I hope you're doing well, Kathy.