Yarn + Natural Dye = Love!
Hello! KnittyVet is the result of combining a desire to create, a touch of entrepreneurial spirit, and the complete inability to sit still. It is Kendra's labor of love, and was born from a heavy knitting habit and yarn stash that got out of hand. Kendra always loved creative and productive pursuits, learning to sew, paint, draw, garden, cook, preserve and take photographs as a child growing up in relatively isolated rural midwest America. However, it was not until college when she found her true love in knitting and yarn arts. She found that knitting kept her awake to read the textbooks assigned in veterinary school - and it must have worked, because she graduated with her DVM - and a deeper understanding of knitting techniques. She started her knitting business by creating bespoke orders - including a Pineapple Reticule - in 2010. Since launching her online business she has collected more than 1300 happy customers.
More recently a yarn spinning class and a chance encounter with a book about natural dyes made from plants led to an epiphany that she could actually combine a few of her favorite things. Garden Yarns from KnittyVet was created shortly afterwards when she realized that her naturally dyed skeins and extra natural dyes/seeds were piling up and in need of good homes.
Kendra grows dye plants in her suburban garden or sustainably forages materials from natural areas in and around the Twin Cities. Many dye sources are native to Minnesota, and some have been used by natural dyers stretching back hundreds and thousands of years. She is constantly inspired by the sheer magic of creating luscious botanical colors on yarn and fabric that differ with each and every dye bath. Every bit of dyed fiber is a work of art combining hyperlocal color and USA wool or cotton. Her goal is to spread the joy of naturally dyed yarn with her local community as well as inspiring others to learn about the process. A member of the Three Rivers Fibershed (a local group for fiber producers, dyers, and artists), her ultimate dream is to help create a loop of locally grown, sheared, processed and dyed wool; thereby strengthening and giving back to the local community. It is important to her that the joy of natural dyes should be accessible to all.
KnittyVet is a cheerful, bright place and Kendra loves creating personalized works of art just for her customer. The sky's the limit when it comes to mixing colors and patterns in yarn. Kendra is also the management portion of the store and would love to chat with you regarding ideas or comments. Some items are ready to ship but some are made to order - please see the descriptions for more information.
Thank you for visiting the KnittyVet shop and please enjoy looking around. You may follow Kendra on several social media platforms for new product alerts and a glimpse at the creative process, or contact kendra [!at] knittyvet.com with "request to join" to join our email list.
Website: www.knittyvet.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/knittyvet
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/knittyvet
Twitter & Instagram: @knittyvet
All the best to you and yours,
Kendra Ann
KnittyVet