Meet The Indie Dyer: Tyler Smith of Thought to Thread.
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber Officer
Meet Tyler from Thought to Thread, this month’s talented Seattle based indie dyer. Non superwash yarns are his passion – Tyler puts a huge amount of love and care into every skein and this shines through in his beautiful hand dyes. We are beyond delighted that he took time out from his dyeing studio for a Q&A with The Woolpack.
How long have you been dyeing yarn and can you tell us about your journey?
I’ve been dyeing yarn since 2020 and officially launched Thought To Thread as a business in 2021. My journey began with a lifelong passion for yarn, and dyeing felt like a natural next step to channel that creativity. I took a lot of inspiration from the incredible artists I followed on Instagram—their work pushed me to experiment and create my own. From there, I was hooked! I’ve always loved the way yarn can bring people together, and it’s been a wonderful challenge to grow the business while staying true to that sense of community. Working with fibers, especially non-superwash wools, has allowed me to push my creativity further, experimenting with how the dye sets and discovering beautiful colorways that speak to me.
Since then, the journey has been a balance between artistry and craft, and I’ve loved every moment of building something meaningful through Thought To Thread. It’s been a joy not just to dye yarn, but also to connect with other crafters who appreciate the care and creativity that go into every skein. Watching Thought To Thread grow from that initial inspiration has been incredibly rewarding.
What kind of fibers do you enjoy dyeing and where can we find them?
I love working with non-superwash wools. They offer a unique challenge that makes the process more intentional and thoughtful. The dye takes a bit more work to set, and the colors can blend faster, but I find that slowing down and really engaging with the wool leads to beautiful, unexpected results. There’s something about the texture and natural qualities of non-superwash fibers that feel closer to their original form—it’s almost like working with the purest version of the wool, and I really enjoy that connection to the material.
What I love most is that each skein becomes a collaboration between the wool and the dye, and every batch tells its own story. The process might require more care, but the depth of color and the organic feel of the wool makes it worth it. My yarns are always available at www.ThoughtToThread.co and you can find my yarns at Acorn Street Shop in Ravenna, Seattle, and I’m hoping to bring them to more events like Flock, Sacred Sheep, and Fiber Fusion in the future. There’s just something so rewarding about creating yarn that stays true to its natural roots and yet still brings vibrant, artistic colors to life.
What is it that you love about your craft?
One of my favorite things about dyeing yarn is finding that perfect balance between making it beautiful in the hank and ensuring it looks just as stunning when it’s worked into a garment. It’s a tricky challenge—sometimes a skein will look gorgeous on its own, but when you start knitting or crocheting with it, the colors don’t play out as expected. I love figuring out how to make colors work in both formats and when it all comes together, it’s incredibly satisfying.
I also have a unique Emotion Base collection, which is close to my heart. Each colorway in the Emotion series is inspired by a feeling or a moment, like joy, reflection, or even nostalgia. They’re small-batch, one-of-a-kind colors meant to evoke a mood or an experience. Working on this collection really allows me to channel creativity in a different way—it’s not just about the look of the yarn, but about capturing an emotion in fiber form. Seeing people connect with those feelings through their own projects is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about dyeing their own yarn?
The best advice I can give is to get out of your own head! It’s easy to fall into the trap of overthinking—wondering if a colorway will sell or if people will like it—but that often takes the joy out of the process. My advice is to approach dyeing with a sense of play and exploration. Let your creativity guide you, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of my favorite colorways came from moments where I let go of expectations and just had fun with the dyes.
Start with small batches to experiment. This gives you the freedom to try new things without feeling overwhelmed or worried about making mistakes. Pay attention to how different fibers take color, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. For example, working with non-superwash wool can be tricky, but it forces you to slow down and learn how colors interact with the fiber in ways you might not expect.
Another practical tip: keep notes! Track your dye process—colors, timing, water temperature, and fiber type—so you can replicate what works or tweak what doesn’t. If something starts to feel off or inauthentic, trust your instincts. The moment you feel like you’re trying too hard to fit into a mold, take a step back and refocus on what excites you.
Lastly, have patience with yourself. Dyeing is a process of discovery, and sometimes the best results come from unexpected places. The key is to keep pushing forward and stay true to your creative instincts. It’s all about finding your own rhythm, having fun, and letting your unique style shine through.
Where can we find you and your yarns in the near future?
I’m keeping my schedule a little light this fall and winter, focusing more on maintaining that creative energy. You can find my yarns at Acorn Street Shop, and while I don’t have anything officially booked yet, I’m hoping to attend more events like Flock, Sacred Sheep, and Fiber Fusion next year. It’s also on my bucket list to one day attend the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival!
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