About Me
I was born and raised around Hood River, Oregon, which is located in the Columbia River Gorge. I had many textile related influences throughout my childhood. My mother is an exquisite tailor and seamstress. She taught me the joys of fine fabrics and a job well done. My grandmother taught me how to crochet, weave, and knit. I also went many times with her to her local fiber guild meetings, where I saw a fine array of all things fiber related. All I wanted to do growing up was learn how these fine ladies spun super fine thread and combined fibers to create such awesome things.
When I went off to college at the University of Oregon, I decided to start taking classes on textiles. I was a business major and soon took on a second major in art, with a focus in textiles. I had an amazing time taking classes in weaving, textile painting, and dyeing. I also helped to create a group that taught others to knit, spin and dye.
In June 2005 I graduated from University of Oregon and returned to my hometown of Hood River, Oregon. I started dyeing yarn and painting silk scarves. This same summer Knot Another Hat was opened up for business in downtown Hood River. I approached the owner about teaching knitting classes and working part time. Over the next year I began my business of handpainted and handspun yarns. I opened up my own online shop on Etsy, where my yarns sold (and continue to sell) like hot cakes. Sarah, the owner of Knot Another Hat, loved my yarns as well and started to carry them in her shop. Since then I have added a couple more wholesale buyers, including Woolgirl, The Fiber Lady, and Twisted.
My business has continued to grow. In the fall of 2007 I decided to work on LavenderSheep full time. I dye and market my yarn 7 days a week. I am always open to new accounts or custom orders.
If you would like to email me, please do: lavendersheep (at) gmail (dot) com
©2007 - 2008 Lavendersheep - Yvonne Ellsworth