The Story Behind Thistle Yarns: Hand‑Dyed Colour-ways Rooted in ScottishHeritage
My aim is to build Thistle Yarns in to a company that creates fibres that are ethically sourced. I want every skein I dye to feel good in your hands and good for the planet. Working with these fibres feels like an act of care — for the craft, for the land, and for the people who will eventually turn them into something beautiful.
I dye small‑batch yarns in my Midlothian studio, each inspired by Scottish heritage. I don’t chase big, repeatable dye runs. Instead, I focus on small batches and limited‑edition colour-ways. I love the freedom that comes with working this way - each batch feels original, a little bit unexpected, and full of its own character. It means you’re getting something truly unique, something that won’t be reproduced endlessly. For me, that’s part of the magic of hand‑dyed yarn: every colour-way captures a moment, a feeling, or a story that belongs to that batch alone.
Teaching history has shaped the heart of Thistle Yarns more than anything else. In the classroom, I’ve spent years bringing the past to life through stories—and that same instinct spills into every colour-way I create.
Scotland is a huge part of my inspiration - the landscapes, the weather, the humour, the history, the tiny everyday moments that catch your breath. Those influences find their way into my palettes, giving them a sense of place and a bit of Scottish soul.
At the heart of it all, I believe yarn is more than just material. It carries meaning. It connects people. It tells stories. Every skein I create is shaped by my values: sustainability, inclusivity, and a love of colour and heritage. My hope is that when you work with Thistle Yarns, you feel that care and intention in every stitch.
I’ve been a knitter and crocheter since my nana taught me when I was a child so I have always loved working with yarn, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve started thinking much more deeply about the impact our materials have on the world around us.
Synthetic fibres might be cheap and convenient, but they’re made from fossil fuels, shed microplastics, and linger in landfills far longer than any of us will. Once I really understood that, I couldn’t ignore it.
I recognise that choosing natural fibres is a form of economic privilege — not everyone has the resources or access to do so. But, I believe those who do have a responsibility to be selective, to limit environmental impact where we can, and to help protect those most affected by the consequences of fibre production and climate change.
I’m not claiming to be perfect, in fact I am still some way off but hey, aren’t we all works in progress.
I don’t have all the answers, and I will make mistakes — but I’m trying to take small, thoughtful steps that might help in some way.
And as my business grows, I’m committed to becoming increasingly eco‑conscious and sustainable, learning and improving as I go.
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