ABOUT

Before I created Henlia Handmade I spent every day sneaking in knitting time during naps between changing diapers, wiping noses and trying to keep a household running.

Then one day I stumbled across an article about how badly dyes used in the commercial dyeing process pollute our waterways. By sourcing ethically harvested dye materials and even growing some of my own, this naturally dyed yarn helps keep our water sources clean while also using far less natural resources to create.

I was concerned that I didn’t know enough about natural dyes to sell yarn to my highly discriminating customers.

But then…

I remembered that I first tried dyeing yarn for a science fair project with food scraps when I was in fifth grade. If I had an eagerness to learn even back then, certainly I could master the skills needed to help provide fiber artists with eco-friendly sourced and dyed yarn.

So, I set out to create the most delicious yarn for the most eco-conscious knitters and crocheters in the fiber community.

It turns out…

The road was more difficult than I imagined.

I struggled to balance caring for two young children (ages 1 and 3-1/2) at the same time as learning a new skill and starting a business…and, of course, maintaining my relationship with my husband. And then there was the task of finding just the right U.S. wool to use. Wow. That one was a toughie!

While my children were distracted…

I found pockets of time to work. My husband also stepped in, whisking the kids away on grocery errands after his long days at work so that I could have more time. And finding a yarn base just took trial and error. I bought many samples from ranches and mills as near as down the road to as far away as the opposite coast. Supporting U.S. wool was critical to my mission not only for the sake of humane animal practices, but also because I feel it’s important to support small businesses within my community and my country.

The most difficult trial has been my own fear. I’ve feared no one would like my colorways. I’ve feared no one would trust a naturally dyed yarn. I’ve feared failure.

The best part?

I released my first product line collection and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive.