Meet The Indie Yarn Dyer – Debie Frable, Serial Knitters Dyehouse Yarns.
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber Officer
It’s always fun to connect with Debie of Serial Knitters Dyehouse Yarns, and here you can find out more about her yarn adventures and where to find her over the coming months…
How long have you been dyeing yarn, and can you tell us about your journey?
After taking some classes at trade shows, I started dyeing for fun. Having a background in art, it felt like I had finally found my medium. The magic that happens in the dye pots gave me such a charge. I had always carried and supported indie dyers in my shop and cultivated a customer base that loved hand dyes but found that the turnaround time made it difficult to always be responsive to my customers’ needs and so, I started dyeing professionally for my yarn shop, Serial Knitters, in 2015.
What kind of fibers do you enjoy dyeing and where can we find them?
Superwash merino yarns are my mainstay. It took me a while to find the bases that have a great hand, dye beautifully using the techniques that I’ve developed and hold up well in garments. I have expanded my line to also include silks, mohair, and alpaca, but my two main staples are my Cherry Creek Sock and Bridle Trails DK.
Mostly, you can find them in my online store, at my trunk shows and when I do markets. A few shops, Acorn Street Shop, Cabled Fibers & Yarn, Needles and Hooks, and Heart 2 Heart carry a curated selection of my hand dyes.
What is it that you love about your craft?
It’s nice to have the freedom to work independently but still be able to connect with my customers at shows. It’s really exciting to finally feel like I’m in my element and create new colorways – I do so much enjoy the reveal.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about dyeing their own yarn?
It’s not all glamour and artistry. The majority of the time, you’re really more like a glorified washer woman. This job is very physical. Also, keep at it if you love it. The more you do this, the more you learn and the better you get at controlling your results.
Which shows will you be attending this year?
Look for my booths at
- Fiber Fusion in Monroe June 1 & 2, Fiber Fusion Northwest – Home
Where can we find your trunk shows in the near future?
- Acorn Street Yarn Shop in Seattle May 15-19 for the annual LYS Tour shop hop, Home | Acorn Street Shop
- The Knitters Studio in Bellevue June 6-8, The Knitters Studio (theknitterstudio.com)
Keep watch on my social media for more events, trunk shows and pop ups:
- Website: Serial Knitters Underground – Serial Knitters Yarn Shop
- Instagram: @serialknitters
- FaceBook: serialknitters
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.