When embarking on a new creative project, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and make impulsive decisions. Recently, I experienced this first-hand whilst sourcing yarn for a product I hope to create using therapeutic textiles. This endeavour, which combines my love for organic and traceable materials, has been a valuable learning experience—both in terms of research and decision-making.
The Initial Struggle
I began my search with enthusiasm, turning to Etsy, my go-to website for eclectic and handmade products. Etsy has rarely let me down when it comes to unique finds, so I expected to uncover the perfect yarn for my project. However, to my surprise, I struggled to find exactly what I was looking for. Despite Etsy’s vast array of offerings, none of the options fully met my criteria for therapeutic textiles, which ideally align with my commitment to organic and traceable materials.
This realisation prompted me to cast a wider net and explore other online resources. After some digging, I stumbled upon Real Good Yarns, an ethical directory that connects buyers to small businesses offering sustainable yarns. While I appreciated the directory’s mission, I found it challenging to navigate and locate the specific product I had envisioned. It became clear that finding the “perfect” yarn wasn’t going to be as straightforward as I’d hoped.
A Misstep in My Process
Out of frustration and with a limited budget, I made a hasty purchase on Etsy. Let me just say that I love Etsy it’s a wonderful place to find unique finds it was just on this occasion I was unsuccessful. The yarn I chose is perfectly fine in terms of quality, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the company I purchased it from. However, I now realise that I didn’t take enough time to define exactly what I wanted before committing to a purchase. Reflecting on this, I see that I was focused more on resolving my immediate problem rather than ensuring the material aligned with my long-term goals.
A Silver Lining
Fortunately, all is not lost. While this yarn isn’t ideal for my final product, I’ve decided to use it for sampling and experimenting with natural dyeing—a process I’ve been eager to try with yarn. This way, the purchase will still serve a purpose and contribute to my learning journey.
In the meantime, I’ve taken another step forward by sourcing a more traceable yarn from a business I discovered during my research. This new yarn, which aligns more closely with my values, was reasonably priced and should arrive in the coming days. I’m excited to share my thoughts on it once it arrives and to see how it compares to my initial purchase.
What I’ve Learned
This experience has taught me some valuable lessons:
- Define Your Goals First: Before making a purchase, take the time to understand your project’s requirements and priorities.
- Research Thoroughly: Exploring multiple sources, even beyond your usual go-to platforms, can lead to unexpected discoveries.
- Be Patient: Rushing to make a decision often leads to compromises that don’t align with your original intentions.
- Adapt and Learn: Mistakes can be opportunities to learn new skills, like experimenting with natural dyeing, and to refine your approach.
Looking Ahead
By embracing the lessons from this experience, I’m better prepared to make informed decisions that align with my vision for therapeutic textiles. For now, I’m eager to share my progress with natural dyeing experiments and to evaluate the traceable yarn when it arrives.
To anyone navigating similar challenges, I encourage you to remain curious, adaptable, and willing to learn from the occasional misstep. After all, creativity is as much about the journey as it is about the final product. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project—I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
#TherapeuticTextiles #TraceableYarn #NaturalDyeing
Rachel Bakewell 