by Sara | Jan 6, 2026 | Thoughts
We’ve been working hard all fall to grow and improve our services at Blue Thistle Fibers. Building out our Fiber Mill in Gauley Bridge is a huge part of our long-term plan. We were lucky enough to win first place in the Veterans Pitch competition at the Morris L. Hayhurst Invitational Veterans Pitch contest. The $10,000 prize provided us with critical funds to install the necessary plumbing and electrical for our Belfast Mini-Mill equipment.
We’re close to being ready for the Mill’s grand opening and are excited about offering Mill Tours and Fiber Workshops in 2026. We’ll be posting more about the upcoming schedule as our renovations progress.
by Sara | Jan 6, 2026 | Thoughts
We’ve been working hard to tell our story, and are always thankful when someone else shares the word about us. We want to use this post to thank our partners, collaborators, and others who have helped us grow, learn, and progress toward our goals.
Today, I want to acknowledge the support we received from the U.S. Commercial Service, Appalachian Rural Export Center, and WV Economic Development Export Promotion Program. We met them right after we opened, and the knowledge that Enybe and others shared helped move us toward opening our Mill in Gauley Bridge.
You can learn more about West Virginia Exporting programs and our experiences here:
https://www.trade.gov/feature-article/connecting-craft-commerce-how-rural-research-guided-yarn-exporter
by Sara | Jul 24, 2025 | Thoughts
Hello,
I once again come sheepishly to apologize for not writing sooner. I don’t know about you, but I feel like the world is spinning faster, and I lose a couple of hours every day, even as my to-do list gets longer. But, I’ve rededicated myself to writing more often for two reasons, first to do a better job of sharing our fiber journey (which is a freak’n awesome journey!) and second as a way to gather my thoughts and celebrate our small wins.
We’re halfway through our second year, and things have gotten CRAZY! When Clare and I started last January, we agreed to take things slow (we both work full-time jobs OUTSIDE the dye studio!). Well, that plan has gone sideways. Now, we’ve bought a building needing massive renovations, are in LOVE with processing fibers, and have fallen down the rabbit hole of machine knitting!
So, yeah. I’m going to need solid quality time with you to help keep me sane. I’m going to share more step-by-steps as we go forward with these new parts of Blue Thistle Fiber. I’d love for you to join me along the way.
You can find more photos, video and stories over on our substack – @bluethistlefibers
Until next time,
Sara
by Sara | Jan 1, 2025 | Thoughts
On this first day of 2025, we are grateful for all the help and support in standing Blue Thistle Fibers up. People have always been willing to help, mentor, and support us everywhere we’ve turned. Our first year has been a blast, from Clare’s first moment of “let’s start a hand-dyed fiber company” to our first international sale. We can’t wait to see what this coming year brings.
We already have a couple of new things in the works. We’ve worked with raw (washed) fleece from heritage breed sheep for the last few months. We’ve hand-carded, combed, and naturally dyed batts and feel good about this new product. Our first batch will hit the shelves by the end of January.
We hope you have a Happy New Year!
Sara
by Sara | Jul 27, 2024 | Thoughts
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.
by Sara | May 26, 2024 | Thoughts
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
