Meet The Indie Dyer: Kelly Lee of Twisted Caster

February 13, 2025

Keeley Richardson

Founder and Chief Fiber Officer

I first came across Twisted Caster yarns last fall at the Salmon Days Festival in Issaquah. I was immediately drawn to Kelly’s vibrant hand dyes and one in particular that was named, “Don’t Shh Me!” It has been a delight to find out more about Twisted Caster yarns and Kelly’s relationship with the fiber arts. Here she shares her inspiring journey in this month’s Fiber Heroes Q&A.

How long have you been dyeing yarn and can you tell us about your journey?

My journey as a fiber artist has been quite a rollercoaster—filled with challenges, surprises, fears, liberation, deep emotions, and even moments that felt like a lifeline. Before diving into this creative world, I worked as an investigator with a background in forensic psychology. However, a traumatic experience in 2022 led me to take a medical leave. During that time, I felt completely lost, struggling to leave my house or even take care of basic needs like eating, sleeping, or dressing myself. To cope with my severe insomnia, I found myself spending countless hours on YouTube, learning how to knit. But I faced a dilemma when it came to yarn. Being agoraphobic, I relied on online shopping, which made it tough to manage the costs of European yarn dyers that I loved. Yet, my quest for a solution brought me back to YouTube.

I immersed myself in learning about fibers, dyeing methods, chemistry, tools, supplies, and budgeting. My goal was simple: to create and see if I could do it. Although there was pressure to return to my previous life, I realized deep down that going back to my
old job was not an option, and that thought was frightening. I was uncertain about what the future held for me. Each skein I dyed became a way to express and process my trauma, leading to the birth of my brand, Twisted Caster. When my family and therapist
asked what I intended to do with this therapeutic hobby, I replied, “I might be a bit off-in-the-head, but I’m going to start my own business.” At that moment, I felt like I had little to lose. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at the idea of someone who couldn’t
leave their home starting a business.

So, if you ask me how long I have been dyeing yarn and about my journey, I would tell you that it goes far beyond the mere act of creating. It is a story of transformation, of turning pain into beauty, and of embracing the unknown. With every skein I dye, I continue to write my own narrative, one that empowers and inspires others to find their own unique path, no matter the circumstances.

What kind of fibers do you enjoy dyeing and where can we find them?

I have very sensitive skin, so my main goal was to find fibers that are incredibly soft and are less likely to cause itching or irritation. I aimed to create yarns that everyone, including those who usually can’t wear wool, can enjoy. I prefer yarn that can be worked
with in various ways, as I’m not primarily focused on tonal dyeing. My dyeing technique involves layering with speckling, hand-painting, and dipping, which means I go through several cycles of heating and cooling. For this reason, I choose high-quality superwash merino wool. Additionally, I’m committed to ensuring that my products are ethical and sourced from sustainable farms. Twisted Caster yarns are currently available at shows and markets. However, I’m working on getting them online at my website, Instagram and also, in local yarn shops.

What is the most challenging thing for you as a dyer?

Stepping out of my house to attend events can still be quite tough at times. Some days are better than others. I deal with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks regularly. Despite these challenges, my passion for what I do remains strong. Additionally, there’s the pressure to come up with something uniquely different to stand out among other dyers. I strive every day to remain grounded, go at my pace, maintain authenticity and purpose. My creations are deeply personal and stem from within, rather than being influenced by outside sources. If you come across a Twisted Caster yarn, you’ll likely recognize its distinctiveness. It’s genuinely unique and cannot be duplicated. Each batch is a one-time creation, which I believe is special because whatever someone makes with it becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art as well.

What advice would you have for someone thinking of dyeing their own yarn?

I suggest using superwash wool yarn, especially if you’re just starting out, because it’s more forgiving. You won’t have to worry about the risk of felting that comes with non-superwash yarns. Many tutorials emphasize the importance of heat, including simmering, but I find that a bit misleading. Once the dyes are dissolved, you really don’t need much heat at all. I prefer to hand-paint and speckle dye on a table without any heat. I keep my water warm in pans, but never hot, and it has never reached a simmer. Whenever I’ve followed the heat recommendations suggested in tutorials, it has led to texture problems. I use serving pans on warming trays instead of pot and burners. And remember, dyeing a single color isn’t necessarily easier than working with multiple colors.

Have fun with naming your yarns! If you read our labels, you’ll see we do! We are a bit “Twisted” around our shop. After each batch, we get to come up with a name. Depending on the day, I’ve been known to choose some doozies!

Which shows will you be attending in 2025?

I’m just starting out with applying to various shows. Unlike some bigger brands, I don’t have widespread recognition yet, which makes it challenging to get into larger events. I’m dedicated to growing our fan base and earning consumer trust. We’re considering participating in the Bothell Makers Market, the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire, and the Enchant Christmas Seattle Market, among others. Additionally, we plan to explore some farmer’s markets during the summer. Our main focus will be on our website, twistedcastershop.com and local physical stores, and we’ll keep our social media updated with information about shows and markets.

You Might Also Enjoy

Bootie & Bossy. Eat, Drink, Knit!

A few months ago I was lucky enough to spend an hour or so in the company of sisters Bootie and Bossy, being interviewed for their podcast. We all share a love of cooking and crafting and if you haven’t come across their podcast yet, it is highly recommended. In this latest Woolpack Q&A you can read all about their fiber world and what to expect when you listen in to Bootie and Bossy.

Meet the Shepherd – Katie from Windy Indigo Farm and Fiber

It was a treat to catch up with Katie from Windy Indigo Farms on Whidbey at the recent Shepherd’s Extravaganza in Enumclaw. I am a huge fan of her yarns with a truly local pedigree – farmed on Whidbey and milled in the Skagit Valley. In this Woolpack Q&A, Katie shares her inspiration, journey and plans for the future.

Meet The Indie Dyers – Phat Girlz Fiber

There are two things that regularly set fiber lovers heart aflutter – beautiful, vibrant hand dyed skeins and a fun project bag to store them in. Phat Girlz Fiber have both of these in abundance. In this Woolpack Q&A Ashley shares the inspiration behind her fabulous color palette and Phat girlz Fiber plans for the future.