During the KCYC, I purchased some beautiful yarn from Ruthie Jane Fibers at Unwind Fiber Arts in Lee’s Summit, MO. I reached out to Stephani Pumfrey, the owner, and she graciously agreed to answer my interview questions about yarn dyeing.
Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in yarn dyeing.
“My name is Stephani. My husband just retired from the military, and we have settled down in Kansas City. I started dyeing yarn in 2021. At that time, we were stationed in Texas, and I was really getting into hand dyed yarns. I got the bug to start trying to dye some up myself. I grew up always making things and by things, I mean it was everything from learning how to make and decorate cakes, to woodworking to knitting and embroidery. I attended my share of craft fairs back in the day. My family is a very creative bunch! That has carried with me throughout my life. I love making things and using my hands to create. I am a fairly new dyer and so I am still learning from everyone!”
What inspired you to become a yarn dyer?
“I was mostly a crocheter, until living in Germany. My boss was a wonderful German lady who taught me how to knit my first pair of socks. I instantly fell in love and took a deep dive into the world of knitting. Which led me to hand dyed yarns. I loved how unique and special they were. I just had to figure out how to dye my own! My parents bought me my first undyed skeins for my birthday one year and I dyed those up so fast. I just fell in love with it. One more way to create something so special for people to use to knit up socks and hats for themselves or their loved ones.“
Please walk us through your dyeing process. What materials and techniques do you use?
“I use acid dyes for dyeing the yarn. I like speckling the yarn, I just take the powdered dye right out of the container and either sprinkle it on with my fingers or use a very small mesh strainer. I am always trying new things and learning from others on better ways or different ways to dye yarn. I dye the yarn in real small batches. I usually dye two or three skeins at a time in one pan.”
What challenges do you face in the dyeing process, and how do you overcome them?
“All of the challenges that I have had are really just learning opportunities. Since I am self-taught from trial and error and YouTube videos, I have had my fair share of challenges. But I just keep moving forward and learning from everything!”
Where do you find inspiration for your yarn designs and colors?
“I find inspiration from everywhere, nature, the changing seasons, movies, tv, sports, everywhere! My mind is always looking at something and thinking how fun that would be to dye up a collection of that!”
Are there any particular artists, nature elements, or cultures that influence your work?
“I really love retro or vintage colors and themes. This past summer I dyed up some neon 80s and 90s inspired yarns. This Christmas I am hoping to get some yarn out that leans toward the mid-century.“
How has the yarn community influenced your journey as a dyer?
“The yarn community is so helpful and supportive. Everyone that I have talked to about my yarn, or has bought my yarn, has been so nice and generous with their feedback.”
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own dyeing business?
“Just go for it! It is hard to break into this space, as I am still trying. But if you want to create something and share it with the world, please do! A lot of us need a creative outlet and if it is something that can also benefit someone else, let’s go for it!”
Are there any resources that you would recommend for aspiring dyers?
“I just watched a lot of YouTube videos! There are so many out there that give such great advice and walk you through dyeing yarn.”
What trends are you noticing in the yarn dyeing world?
“Since we are heading into winter, in most places, I think everyone is liking the soft oversized sweaters. Soft fluffy yarns and chunky yarns, I believe are in as well. Something that feels like a big warm hug.”
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or new product lines you can share?
“I am getting ready to get some Christmas yarns put in the store. Life has been busy for me lately and I have not been able to get a lot of yarn out. My hope is to get back at it and fill the shop up with all the holiday yarns!”
How can readers support your work? Do you have a website or social media where they can connect with you?
“You can find me on Instagram @ruthiejanefibers and Etsy under Ruthie Jane Fibers. You can also find some of my yarn at the Unwind Fibers Arts in Lee’s Summit Missouri.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?
Thank you for taking the time to check out my shop and the yarn. I am a little shy on social media, but I am trying to put myself out there!
I made the Across the Universe Cowl by Fiber Flux using the “Rainbow Brite Sock Set” from Ruthie Jane Fibers that I bought from Unwind. If you are looking for some yarn for a new project, be sure to check out Ruthie Jane Fibers! Thanks for spending time with me today.
~ Belle
P. S. Hello again! Rio here, Belle’s daughter. I made the Berry Smoothie Cowl by Fiber Flux using the “Kelly Kapowski” color of fingering yarn from Ruthie Jane Fibers that I bought at Unwind during the KCYC. I absolutely love how bright the colors are in the yarn and can’t wait to pick up more in the future!
