Sponsor: Ewetopia is a local yarn shop in rural Viroqua, WI, carrying a beautiful selection of yarns and fibers, including their very own line of hand dyed yarns. One of my favorite things about Ewetopia is it’s generational foundation, the shop was started by Kathryn Ashley-Wright and later her mother Lisa Wright joined her as partner in the business. Along with Kathryn’s grandmother Gloria and her daughters Stella and Mae…you’ll sometimes find all four generations busy around the shop…what a special thing to have. In addition to the Ewetopia shop and yarn brand, Kathryn and her family have a farm in southwestern Wisconsin where they grow certified organic hay and rotationally graze their flock of 50 ewes…comprised of Corriedale, Border Leicester and Merino crosses, which contribute to their Ewetopia yarn and fiber line. If you’re in the Viroqua area or just passing through, make sure to visit them in person. You can find a selection of Ewetopia yarns and fibers, and more info on the shop and farm online at ewetopiafibershop.com. And find them on Instagram @ewetopiayarn.
Fiber folk: Jill Draper is what I would call one of the OG’s of hand dyed and small farm yarns. From studying fine arts, to making decoupage vases and then finding her calling in dyeing yarn which led to creating her own bases from small flocks around the US, Jill is a gem in this industry and craft. So much of my early interest in farm yarns came from watching Jill’s journey and passion for working with traceable fibers and milling with domestic mills. Many of you may be familiar with Empire, or yarn babies as many call them…boasting 1280 of aran weight Rambouillet wool. She recently released her newest yarn Rifton, a wonderful combination of natural colored and dyed wool. You can find Jill’s incredible line of yarns at many of your favorite local yarn shops and her newest yarn Rifton in her Etsy shop Jill Draper Makes Stuff. Visit jilldraperblogs.blogspot.com to follow her adventure in yarn making and on Instagram @jillmakesstuff.
Sponsor: Fancy Tiger Crafts is a special yarn, fabric and notions shop based out of Denver Colorado. This inspired place is owned and operated by self proclaimed fiber nerds, Jaime Jennings and Amber Corcoran…two women who’s hope and journey have allowed them to share their knowledge, adventures and passion in fiber, and this is reflected in their beautiful shop as well as their endeavors in creating their own farm yarn Heirloom. Fancy Tiger Crafts is one of my favorite places to shop online for fabric, patterns and yarn, but I’m even more excited to visit the shop in person when I’m in Denver in a couple weeks. I plan to pickup their newest sewing pattern Fen and hopefully find some time to sew this Winter. Starting this coming weekend they’ll be hosting Brooklyn Tweeds Wool People 9 Trunk Show, so make sure to visit Fancy Tiger Crafts in person and online at fancytigercrafts.com and on Instagram @fancytigercrafts.
Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked the question, “What is your favorite yarn with a story?”. We had some great answers from Amy @urban_wife_farm, Melissa @hey_lady_hey, Leanne @leannecoppola
Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway is, Jordan You’ve won 2 skeins of Lincoln Longwool yarn from Orchard View Lincoln Longwools. Congratulations!
This week we’re giving away a skein of Jill Draper’s Rifton Spun to Stripe fingering yarn. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this blog post.
Music by Jónsi.
145 Comments
Thanks for the great interview! I would love to try some of Jill’s yarn.
I would love to try Rifton! The podcast was wonderful. I have been a long-time fan of Jill Draper, and it was so great to hear more about the process of making such fantastic yarn. Thank you!
Oh this looks so cool! Self striping yarn is so much fun. Another great podcast and giveaway, thank you!
Love Jill’s story. Thanks for sharing!
I can’t wait to listen to this podcast tomorrow on my way to work! I love Jill’s yarn.
Another fantastic podcast. I had not heard about Jill Draper before hearing her talked about on Rhinebeck recaps these last two weeks. Now I need to try out her yarn!
Great episode! I also hadn’t heard of her before. Beautiful yarns, I love the idea of a skein big enough for a sweater!
The striped colors are beautiful! I would love to try some. Thanks for the opportunity.
Another inspiring podcast. I want some Jill Draper yarn more than ever now.
Ewetopia is a great place to visit – sadly it’s just far enough away from me I don’t get there very often. Thanks for the giveaway!
Beautiful things! Thanks for highlighting these companies!
Jill’s years are gorgeous! Someday, I’ll have to splurge on a “yarn baby”
Thanks for another wonderful podcast. How are things going with the mill in Idaho?
Love all the talk of hand dyes
Oh hey Ewetopia is my LYS!!! So cool <3
Can't wait to hear Jill's story 🙂
Amazing story as always! I love how Jill found a way to make self striping yarn that fit her outfit! Its genius and who doesn’t love the natural color of wool? I have to say I picked up some un-dyed yarn at Knit City thinking I would try my hand at dying but I LOVE IT! Thank you for your stories, podcast and giveaways!
I just loves this podcast , so informative , I have a few of Jill draper’ patterns but no yarn , I would love to win .
Thank you so much for being a makers of stuff.
Jill’s yarns are gorgeous! I’ve been wanting to get my hands on some!
I love JDMS, she’s so rad!
My husband grew up in Dutchess County in the Hudson valley. I loved this discussion of the local yarn, sheep, and farms. Spejo on ravelry
Love watching Jill’s work/success blossom. My fiber addiction just keeps growing!
Thanks for the story! I love hearing the podcast and learning about new people and their philosophies on yarn and craftsmanship. You always make my day.
Yay Jill! She was the first person I ever met who was spinning on the same wheel I was (Lendrum), and I have followed her work ever since.
I love to see the yarn wound onto the vintage spools.
What a great interview with such a creative,interesting person! I just loved hearing Jill’s story and would love to try her yarn. Thanks for the chance!
would just love to work with this beautiful yarn. Thank you for the chance and thank you for these wonderful podcasts!
I am intrigued by these self striping yarns. I’ve never knit with any yet. Thanks for another terrific podcast. They make my long train ride to work more bearable.
New episode, looking forward to listen.
Always love the Woolful podcasts – this episode was no exception of course! Thanks for making my commute so much better.
Natalie
@oystersandpearls
Ravelry @ oystersandpurls
I live in the Hudson Valley, so Jill Draper is a hero of mine. Love her yarn. Great podcast — now I know more about her!
Fantastic podcast. I really like how Jill is passionate & focused on providing a top-quality raw material like yarn. I am sure the finished product is absolutely marvelous.
finally listened to your podcast and i’m buzzing with inspiration! I’m so happy this exists 🙂
I’ve been seeing Jill’s yarn at one of my LYS’s and been wanting to try it out for ages, so i’m keeping my fingers crossed. Either way, it’s going on my Christmas list. It was so cool to hear her story, thank you for sharing.
Great podcast! can’t wait to go through your archives 🙂 🙂
Great podcast! love Jill’s story! very inspirational
Marina
@handmade_koala
Interesting! Thanks!
I love Jills yarn and have been lucky enough to meet her at Rhinebeck. I would like to get to see her studio sometime.
Lovely giveaway would love to win this yarn
Great to hear the story behind the development of Jill Draper Makes Stuff and your yarn. Thanks for sharing this story 🙂
I’m with Natalie, my commute is so much better on Wednesdays thanks to you!!
I loved this episode. I’ve long admired Jill’s work. It was great to hear more of the background and inspiration.behind the work. The Rifton is beautiful.
Great interview! Informative, honest and fun!
Thanks for the great ear candy! I’ve seen Jill at festivals and love the concept of her yarns.
I love this yarn! I come from the northern Catskills and I love the names of Jill’s yarn.
Thank you for the wonderful interview. Jill’s yarn is just lovely.
Loved this episode. I am learning so much about wool and knitting from your interviews. Thanks so much.
Aw, such a lovely story. This podcast always cheers up my week with inspiring stories. I’ll be checking in with this yarn soon as I already started my 2016 stash list!! Thanks
Thanks for a great interview and a lovely giveaway!
I love the poncho/shawl Jill is wearing in the fourth line of photos down (the white, yellow, and orange). Is it possible to find out what pattern that is!? Thanks!
Oh ! I love it too !!!! Did you get a reply on where to find it ?
Another great episode! I always enjoy the interviews with people in the fiber craft industry and look forward to hearing more. I have Jill Draper on my list of yarns-to-try.
Beautiful yarn!
So inspiring, this has reminded me of the hank of hand dyed and blended fibre that got me on the road to learning to dye and spin. The possibilities with natural colours in fleece and dyes are my favourite, dyeing white fibre just isn’t the same. Thanks!
Ashley, thank you so much for all of the work you do to bring us your podcast. I find all of the interviews so interesting and inspiring. I especially enjoy listening to each person’s fiber journey. Thanks!
Thanks for a great podcast! Hope to try some of this beautiful yarn some time soon!
Oooo, I’m so glad you interviewed Jill – she’s someone whose work I really enjoy and admire!
Jill’s yarn would be great to try! Great interview!
I really enjoyed hearing about Jill’s process.
Thank you for this post.
What a lovely episode! It was definitely one of my favorites so far. The Rifton yarn looks beautiful and I’d love to knit a shawl with it.
Wow, when she described Rifton, I had to go take another look! I love that approach of two colors natural & two colors dyed!
Oh my goodness. As a knitter, of course, I love this, but also as someone who was born in Dutchess County! Definitely going to have to check out the Valkill.
Great podcast as usual. I loved hearing about Jill’s passion and process. As a woman with an outside-the-home job as well as a toddler at home, I felt a strong connection with the conversation about how priceless time really is. I’m able to knit fewer gifts than before, and I make sure only to give them to those who will really appreciate that I’m actually giving them an artifact of my time, focus and affection. I’ve never tried Jill’s yarn, but I’m definitely adding it to my list. Thank you!
I have always loved Jill Draper’s products, but I love them even more after hearing about her philosophy!
I love Jill’s Rockwell yarn!
I don’t ever seem to be able to listen to your podcast until a few weeks after it has been to air. But I know I will love the content.
Thank you for a great interview. I love Jill’s yarns!
Great podcast. I always hear about Jill Draper when people talk about Rhinebeck and it was nice to hear more about her. Would love to try one of her yarns.
I love the size of that skein it just makes me smile ! What an interesting podcast and I would love to win some of her yarn 😉
Yay, an episode on Jill Draper! I picked up a skein of Esopus at Stitches West this year and I’m looking forward to trying more of her yarns. Rifton looks so fun and seems like a good alternative for handspun yarn 🙂
Fascinating to hear about Jill’s approach to creating yarn bases. And love the idea of having a sweater’s worth of yarn in one skein! Would love the opportunity to try the Rifton yarn.
I do so love listening to these podcasts. There’s always something new and fascinating to think about. Jill Draper’s yarn is so gorgeous and her whole ethos and rationale are wonderful. Thank you!
What a fabulous interview! Jill’s yarns are wonderful and it was great to learn how she’s developed her line over time, her commitment to locally sourced yarn and her relationship with Green Mountain Spinnery.
ooh, i want to knit hygge again now!
I especially loved this podcast… some of the things Jill shared struck a true cord in me… like the difference between feeling more like a technician vs an artist in trying to replicate color-blends (! I struggle with this!)– and loving the fact that your work is only “half-done” in that is goes on to have the rest of its life with the fiber-lover that continues the progression/evolution of your work… — love what you are doing here Ashley!!! <3
such an amazing podcast – thank you!
Jill, your laughter is contagious!
Love to hear so many inspiring stories!!
I loved hearing about her concept of gradient yarns using natural wool gradient + dyeing! Her more artist-skewed perspective on the process was interesting. As a designer who also loves art I find myself thinking about this balance a lot– that between making something super unique and one-of-a-kind versus having your product available to that wider, appreciative audience. Great episode!
If I don’t win I’ll have to try Jill’s yarn, especially since my name is Jill and I also like to make stuff.
Thank you for being amazing! Each podcast is a treasure.
Jill’s yarn sounds so wonderful – love hearing about special wolly goodness on your podcast.
oooooooh I want some yarn!!
I have made many projects with Jill’s yarns and love her commitment to sourcing US wool. Her dyes are wonderful! Was great hearing her speak on this podcast! Would love to try Rifton!
I love the idea of knowing what yarn you want and figuring out a way to bring it to fruition, what a fun adventure for Jill!
Thank you so much for yet another rich episode. I had seen Jill’s yarn at Tolt Yarn and Wool a few weeks back, left determined to learn more about this yummy yarn and up pops this podcast! The universe provides. I’m really loving the explosion of info about local yarns and breed specific yarns. As I’ve grown more and more connected to this craft and art, choosing my materials (and learning about the places and folks from whence they came) specifically adds a great deal to the meaningfulness of this practice. I especially related to the heartfelt observation about the priceless nature of hand knits. So true! Keep up the good work. I’m eagerly awaiting next week’s talk. Thank you so very much.
Thank you for the podcast. I enjoy listening to them while I knit.
Love the stories about these local farmers, herds people and mill operators. Have a small hobby farm now and would like to expand upon retirement. Great podcast!
Thanks for another great podcast! I missed Jill Draper at Rhinebeck a few weeks ago but as a NYC resident I’m glad to know that she’s a day trip away. I really must get my hands on her yarn!
Great episode! I’d love to try out her yarn!
Thank you for another great podcast. Would love to win this week’s giveaway- Jill Draper makes beautiful yarn!
Wow, Rifton looks beautiful! Thanks for another excellent episode!
Thank you for these stories. I found out about the podcast after it had already been on for a while, so I have recently been binge listening while knitting or this past week while making my littles Halloween costumes. You have opened me up to so much information about yarn and fiber folk.
Jill’s yarn is lovely, so glad to hear about her! Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
Jill Draper was my first wool crush:-) I saw her on a blog post from Cal Patch’s sewing site. This is where I found out about creativebug and Jill. I loved the video they had made at a farm about Jill’s work and their connection… This is where I thought I want to do this!
I grew up in rural Indiana farm right across the road from a farm that had Grand Champion sheep .I bugged my Mom annually for a lamb. No, I never get my lamb but after hearing numbers stories from realitives I now know where my love of animal husbandry comes from. I come from a tough German stock who owned the last dairy farm in downtown Cincinnati. My grandfather tried to save the farm with numerous tax breaks from raising Cheviot sheep, Ponies, Swine and mink. After all these trials and tribulations he and my Great Uncle could no longer keep up the farm with high taxes and sadly had to sell, which is now filled with apartments. My Mother showed me the dairy farm trails that can be still seen engraved in the land even after the apartments built on the family land. She walked the land with me telling me many stories before she passed. As I now face a crossroad in my life and I dream of continuing the love for animals and showing and guiding my son in animal husbandry. Thank you again for an amazing podcast! Keep them coming Ashley!!
This year’s Rhinebeck was my first fiber festival – and I came home so very inspired to keep knitting and learning. This weekend, I finished my first ever sweater, and my eagerness to keep going has me planning THREE new projects to cast on in the next couple of weeks! Your podcast brings joy to my afternoon commute home, and puts me in the mood to sit down and stitch when I get home. THANK YOU.
So interesting. I’d love to try the ‘Empire’ yarn. How do you wind that mountain of gorgeous yarn into a usable cake???
another excellent episode! thank you for your time and energy to provide this.
another great episode. i’ve taken jill’s classes on creativebug. she’s great! i had no idea until now though how deeply into the fiber world she is. thank you.
Your sheep look lovely AND loved!
Beautiful, great episode again, thanks for sharing.
What a lovely story. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Great story! I love the pics! Going to check all the links right now!
Wonderful podcast and inspiring story!
I’ve heard so many great things about Jill’s yarn, but have never seen it in person. I’d love to get my hands on some.
Another great episode!
How dreamy are Jill’s colors? I definitely have her yarn on my wish list now!
I would love to try out this yarn! Thank you!
Thank you for yet another inspiring interview. I had heard of Jill Draper yarns but never knew that there was an actual “Jill Draper”! 🙂
So lovely to hear Jill’s back story…her attention to detail and passion for her products has me on the search for her yarn to create my next garment.
This is my first Woolful Podcast. I am so grateful for your work and am excited to have so many hours of catching up to do!
So love the passion for yarn and dyeing! My vicarious pleasure to follow you ladies Ashley and Jill. And then to read that Jill is using wool from my part of NY state. It makes me smile to see how your small businesses can grow. Thanks for all you do.
there’s a Finger Lakes yarn festival? If only I’d been into knitting when I lived there . . .
I agree totally with the right-yarn-for-the-right-job philosophy (no point in fine gloves when you’re shovelling a big dump of snow)
Just found your blog and am excited to listen to your podcast!
Jill’s colors are aaaaaaahhhhmazing!
I’m so glad I found your podcast, it’s so informative! I would love to win some of that beautiful yarn 🙂
I met Jill at the Knitter’s Review retreat and bought several skeins of yarn to make Tardis socks with. She was very helpful (I was not Dr. Who savvy at that point and she helped me pick the right yarn for the project. Love her energy and her yarns. Ripton is gorgeous.
I loved this episode – loved loved loved Jill Draper’s approach to working with wool and yarns as an aesthetic practice. This is her art medium, and she conveyed that beautifully. Also absolutely loved the focus on the creative process as a communal endeavor in knitting and fiber-working. Enjoyed this episode on so many levels!
so inspiring!
Great interview, enjoyed so much…Just having come back from Rhinebeck, and feeling sad,
the interview was a little tidbit more to remember my amazing trip!
Another amazing podcast and I would absolutely love to have this yarn!
I love hearing how Jill’s yarns have evolved, especially how she doesn’t like to repeat her multi-colored yarns. I have seen her yarns in person and they are awesome!
I really enjoyed listening to this week’s podcast. Jill’s fibre journey is very interesting and her yarns are so beautiful.
Very interesting episode, again. Thank you, Ashley and Jill!
Another fabulous episode!! I feel as though Jill and I may have been cut from related cloth. Her life feels as if it is my perfect dream. Thank you Ashley and Jill!
Wonderful episode! I am smitten with the lovely yarns that Jill has dyed. Thank you, both!
Another great episode. It’s always so interesting to hear how each guest got started, their love of the craft and creating things they love.
First-time listener here–fell in love with your podcast as well as Jill’s yarn! What an inspiring story.
I was just knitting with Jill’s yarn. It is awesome to get to know her better. Hanks for a great episode. Or should I say thanks.
Thank you for another wonderful episode. I love Jill Drapers yarns!
Thanks for interviewing Jill Draper. I have been meaning to look at her store for awhile now.
I love that her Rifton Spun to Stripe yarn uses to undyed natural wool colors!
jill is amazing. glad to hear her voice!
Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful interview. I loved hearing about Jill Draper’s passion and explanation of how she creates her gorgeous yarns. It was also interesting to learn about her many connections to north east farmers and mills.
Thanks for the interview with Jill. so very interesting and highlighted some great yarns to try!
Looking forward to the next episode too.
Just found your podcast. Your photos are awesome and all the info in your show is great. Opens new doors for my knitting.
I’ve never had the opportunity to see Jill Draper’s yarn in person, but have heard so much about how special it is. Thank you for the opportunity to win and experience it for myself. Love your podcast!
I love this so much. Jill is such a talented woman! Love her work!
Love discovering your podcast and all the fellow wool lovers out there!
I am really enjoying this podcast. I save the episode as a treat to listen to while I exercise. It’s working!
Fascinating to hear about Jill Draper’s journey and process. I would love love to love to win some of her yarn! 🙂
That sweet pink lacey child’s sweater! Oh, I’d love to know what the pattern is…it’s pictured above next to the raw fleece. I’ve scoured ravelry and listened to (and enjoyed!) the podcast to no avail. Help!
Jill’s yarns are so pretty!
The podcast is great for listening to, but those photos are truly amazing. Her colors are special.
Fun podcast! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
I loved this story. Thanks for the opportunity
I recently discovered your podcast and am just loving it. This episode was another really great one, learnt a lot of interesting things about wool. Thanks!
[…] Woolful: Jill Draper – Fine Arts, Color Girl, Small Farm Yarns, and Jill Draper Makes Stuff […]