Start at Love: Be Inspired by Darn Good Yarn
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am passionate about showing the faces of the makers and designers behind the products we sell at Tuula Collective.
When I first discovered Darn Good Yarn, I immediately felt connected to this company because they too are very passionate about showing the faces of the artisans who make their yarn. When I dug a little deeper and learned that their motto is, “Start at Love”, I knew that I had found something special.
Their products are truly as unique and special as the people behind them. As they say on their website, “Darn Good Yarn isn’t your run-of-the-mill yarn. There are special stories of hard work, love and creativity wrapped into everything you find.”
From supporting sustainable and fair jobs around the globe, focusing on sourcing products and developing supply chains that benefit disadvantaged populations, and sourcing products that have a recycled or reclaimed component to them, I was ecstatic to get the opportunity to try some of their unique yarns for myself.
The yarn that I used in my first project with DGY is the Reclaimed Silk Yarn Worsted Weight in Wild Peacock. As true as its description, this yarn is literally as vibrant as a peacock. Made from 100% reclaimed sari silk by the artisans in their co-ops in India, each ball is uniquely its own.
You can tell the moment that you touch it, this yarn is special. This fibre was not mass produced in a factory somewhere, but you can literally see where someone’s hands have carefully connected one piece of silk to the next. This fibre had a story to share, and I wanted to make sure that whatever I made with it, that the focus remained on the yarn.
By taking one quick glance at my Instagram feed, you can probably tell that I am a “neutrals” gal. From my colour palette to my wardrobe, you rarely see anything outside of black, white, grey, denim and blush. So what could I possibly make with something so vibrant that I could see myself wearing? Almost immediately as that thought entered my head, I decided to make a statement accessory that I would pair with a minimalist outfit (aka my daily attire).
After some trial and error with different hook sizes and stitches, I made a very basic clutch in a tight stitch that would give it some structure. To complete the look, I added a leather wristlet that I had at home, but someone could easily make a basic strap to wear it as a crossbody purse.
If you’d like to try some of the unique yarns from DGY, you can use the code TUULACOLLECTIVE15 for 15% off your purchase! Don’t forget to tag me in your photos – I’d love to see what you make! And to learn more about the company, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.
Photo Credit: All images of the artisans are the property of Darn Good Yarn.