Blue Thistle Fibers’ mountain roots run deep- from the Appalachians up through the Adirondacks. Six generations of mountain people living, working, loving, and dying in the craggy hills, forests, and glacial lakes of America’s highlands.  As we move into the second half of the year, we’re thinking about new colors that highlight the oranges, reds & yellows of fall maple leaves, greens of the tall pines, spruces & oaks, and the deep blue blacks of the lake that has nourished our family for generations.  We come from dairy and sheep, sugarmen, and lumberjacks who called the deep woods of the North Country home. We are lucky enough to have family property nestled in the woods next to the cold waters of a glacial lake.  Over the next few months, I’m taking inspiration to bring new colorways for fall and winter. I’d love to share what is inspiring me.

Over the last ten days, our team at Blue Thistle Fibers has zig-zagged across western Ireland. We’ve been over hill & dale exploring the woolen traditions of the West Coast while also reconnecting with our ancestors in County Mayo.

Our host, Leo Murphy, has provided an exceptional experience for us, sharing his years of experience as a Connemara farmer.

If you’re lucky enough to come to Ireland, be sure to go to Galway and the surrounding areas. The lodge Leo and his wife run is well suited for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and the region. (See the AirBnB link below for their lodge).

We’ve been inspired by the gorgeous colors of Ireland and are so excited to share them with you in our naturally dyed yarns over the coming year.  For now, we’ll offer you a sneak peek of some of the sights and sounds from our trip.

Sara & Clare @Blue Thistle Fibers

I have had a whirlwind spring making yarn, having fiber conversations, and meeting new friends here in West Virginia and worldwide.  Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me as I lift this business off the ground. Over and over, just when I felt overwhelmed by the challenges of starting a small business from the ground up, I’d receive an email, or an Instagram post, or a call from someone sharing how they loved my yarn or the color pallet or just the right words of encouragement.

To be up and running in six months was an all-hands-on-deck effort that couldn’t have been done without the guidance & support of some amazing organizations and mentors, especially the teams at Unlimited Future, Inc. & the WV Office of the U.S. Commercial Service,  and Kristin Artz & Amy Default .

I inherited my knitting gene from my grandmother and great-grandmother, who were two North Country women with tremendous grit and gumption.

My grandmother was this amazing, powerful modern woman who was determined to leave home and leave her mark on the world. She learned this from her mother. Ora Irene, my great-grandmother, was born in 1906, leaving school by 6th grade. She grew up on a farm in the Adirondacks, baking, sewing, knitting, lace tatting, and more. Like many from her generation, she made the most of what she had. My great-grandmother was an entrepreneur, starting a neighborhood shop that sold handcrafted goods, freshly baked bread, and food staples throughout the Depression and the Great War. It’s taken me longer to feel the entrepreneurial spark.

But like my grandmother, I also left the mountains of West Virginia at seventeen – I joined the military and traveled around the world. Knitting was a great way to pass the time while on long patrols in the various oceans I traveled. My WIPs were crafted during downtimes and while transiting from one place to another. Each knit, pearl, and slip stitch is my contribution to my family traditions.

Nine years later, I realized that everything that I needed, I could find back in the mountains of West Virginia. In 2024, I founded Blue Thistle Fibers to build on this heritage, drawing from the same grit and gumption of my grandmother and the women of the North Country before her.

Just like when I headed off to the Coast Guard, I’m nervous and excited, but determined to make my way and create great products for you.

One of my many WIPs – Colorway- Variegated Sage Sock.  You can follow along with my knitting on my Instagram @bluethistlefibers