Indie Dyer Feature: Knitting in France

Well folks, today I have a follow-up to the awesome giveaway we did over the last couple of weeks: I’m so happy to feature an interview with Bogga of Knitting in France. Plus, she has generously offered a coupon code to you (in case you want to snag that awesome skein you found while searching around in her shop!): FREESHIPPINGFORYOU will get you just that, free shipping until the end of May!

I met Bogga by accident–I was working with some of her yarn, in mini-form, while knitting up some heels and toes for a sock project. I loved her yarn so much that I had to check out her Etsy shop . . . then I found her blog and we’ve been in touch ever since. Bogga is a generous, smart, colorful soul. And, as you saw from the podcast review and IG posts–she is a real wiz with color! Her yarns are plush yet sturdy, wonderfully colorfast and vibrant, and they knit up excellently with textured stitches. I am a huge fan, can you tell? So, without further ado, here are some images of Bogga’s beautiful yarn and her interview Q&A. Enjoy! And then head over to Etsy for one more look!

How did you get into dyeing and handspinning? 
Around 2009 I became really passionate about knitting and and in 2011 that lead to me opening an online shop. I specialized in knitting needles at the time although I also did sell yarn, just not my own. Gradually I started reading about dyeing and took the plunge to dye my own yarn. Spinning came in 2013. I was, and still am, very passionate about all fibre crafts and had begun educating myself by reading books and watching videos and then decided I had to try it myself and so I ordered an Ashford Kiwi online and haven’t look back since. I learned by myself by reading books and doing online classes (Interweave and Craftsy) and just trying my hand at it.

What is your favorite fiber to dye? I mostly dye merino and BFL. I do also have some other blends in stock such as british breeds like exemoor horn or Falkland wool as well as baby camel or alpaca.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from wherever. From nature or from books I’m reading or something I watch on Youtube. I’m also inspired by Ravelry and pictures of hand dyed yarns by other indie dyers. I’m inspired by colors. I see colors that speak to me and I want to then recreate and what’s fun about dyeing fibre is that you dye a certain way but then the fibre can be spun in a million different ways so you never know what the final yarn will look like.

Any advice for new dyers (or spinners)? 
Well, I’m not an expert in either craft but if I have a word of advice to a new spinner it would be to stick with it. To watch tutorials online, to take online classes and spin as much as you can. If you are lucky enough to be able to take an in person course then definitely jump on it. But if not, don’t let it stop you. I’ve never had an in person lesson and perhaps I’m doing it all wrong, but boy do I love it!

As for dyers, it’s somewhat the same. Read up on different techniques, document yourself on the different fibres you intend to use and choose your base yarn wisely. Other than that, have fun and play with color and techniques.

Where can folks find your shop online? 
I’m on Etsy as www.knittinginfrance.etsy.com  and you can also find me at www.knittinginfranceshop.com  And of course there’s my blog where you can follow my knitting and spinning adventures and from there, you have a link to the shop too. The blog is at www.knittinginfrance.com 

What’s NEW on the horizon for your shop?
Well I have recently introduced two new bases in the shop, Pop and Back to Basics. I would like to introduce more non superwash wool to the shop because I think non superwash treated wool is so gorgeous for knitting garments with. I have been in contact with a mohair farm in Canada. They are a small scale operation but have agreed to sell me some of their yarns and I hope to get my first delivery this summer so that should be in the shop in August probably. I’m also going to offer more spinning fibre. Currently the shop has mostly hand dyed yarns but I’m working on offering more hand dyed braids and carded rolags. I would also like to add my handmade stitch markers and needle stoppers which are currently out of stock.

Basically I would like to be perceived as a unique yarn and fibre shop where you can be sure to find quality materials that are prepared on a small, artisan scale for the knowledgeable knitter/crocheter/spinner. I’m going for quality over quantity and I hope that shows when you browse my shop.

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Thanks so much, Bogga!

I love farm visits and meeting new people (and sheep!): if you are a hand spinner, a shepherdess, a small flock owner, a dyer, a mill operator, or a wool trader, I would love to feature your work on this site. Please get in touch via email or Ravelry by clicking the “About” tab (above)