FreshFromTheCauldron

Fresh From the Cauldron features hand-dyed yarns on a variety of quality, animal based fibers. Influenced by pop culture, and with a flare for whimsy, silliness, and sometimes dark themes, I draw inspiration from the stage, page, and screen.

Each skein is individually hand-dyed, using professional grade acid dyes for color and light fastness, producing yarn colorways that are unique and high quality for all crafting needs. I employ various techniques including self-striping, gradient, variegated, hand-painted, and kettle dyed to create artful interpretations of various subjects that people relate to. The yarns I use are all animal based fibers ranging from Merino wool, to Cashmere, Alpaca, and silk. Some fiber blends also include nylon for strength, or Stellina (a non-metallic fiber) giving the skein a sparkly effect.

Based out of central Florida, I first started dyeing yarn in April of 2008. A stay-at-home mom of two boys, I was trying to find a way to provide additional income for my family while putting the needs of my children first. Working out of my kitchen (with white formica counters, no less), I began researching and experimenting with various techniques to hone my skills at making my own yarn colorways for knitting and crocheting. I posted a few photos of the skeins I dyed online and was contacted with a request to dye some yarn as a custom order. And from there, things began to fall into place. I experimented more, researched more, honed my techniques, and started an Etsy shop. Being an avid Harry Potter fan, and inspired by whimsy and the fantastical, I came up with the name Fresh From the Cauldron for my shop. I see each skein as a unique and magical creation. With a dash of inspiration, a healthy dose of creativity, and lots of hard work and dedication, I was able to brew up what has become a rewarding experience.

These days, I've moved the dyeing out of my poor rainbow-stained kitchen and into a small studio nearby. I work on my colorways while the boys are in school and interact with clients and friends through Facebook and Ravelry. In 2013, Fresh From the Cauldron made its craft show debut at Stitches Midwest. I try to attend at least one Stitches event each year so that people from around the US have a chance to see and shop for the colorways in person.

There is inspiration everywhere; if you open yourself to creativity, something magical is bound to happen.