Welcome to our Brand Spotlight Series! We’ve asked local dyers and fiber producers to share a little bit about themselves and their processes because we find it fascinating and thought you would, too!
For Week Two, we are highlighting Melanie Towner from Under the Rainbow!
Melanie’s yarn is a more recent addition to our shop and we think it’s fabulous! Her farm is located not far from us and we are proud to promote her New York State grown fibers. Melanie comes from a long line of farmers and is quick to say that her husband Frank, although a convert to farming, is a very supportive in their sheep & wool business. They both love the simplicity of farm life.
If you are new to Under the Rainbow, We began carrying two of their undyed yarns this year: a higher twist 3-ply Fingering and a looser 2-ply DK. Both weights are 100% non-superwash Romney from her adorable sheep! The longer "staple" (fiber length) of the Romney sheep breed classify it as a longwool. That means it is a bit more rustic than your buttery soft merinos, but they are more hard-wearing, stronger, longer-lasting, and more pill-resistant than Merino!
Under the Rainbow yarn is lovely to knit with undyed but we think it would take dyes nicely as well! We like it for pill-resistant sweaters, outerwear, colorwork, dyeing, and (as it is a non-superwash) for felting.
Three fun facts about Melanie:
Melanie is the 6th generation to reside on her family farm. Her great-grandfather also raised sheep.
She is a retired clown.
Her first two sheep were an anniversary gift from her husband! He is a hunter and left one morning in May to hunt. When he came home, he insisted she check out the back of the van. Instead of the turkey she expected, it was two of the cutest lambs!
What inspires her?
“Wool! I love the smell, the squish factor, and knowing that the sheep in my backyard produce (without even trying) a fiber that keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”
Does she name her sheep? How does she choose sheep names?
“Yes, we have always named our lambs. We usually have a theme. One year we had a lot of twins, so we named them after couples! We’ve named them after drinks, herbs, gems, Harry Potter, superheroes and food.”
What excites her most about owning a flock of sheep?
“Each sheep has a personality, and when they respond (especially after they escape) to their name or a handful of grain, it is pretty rewarding.”
What's her barn soundtrack?
“Baaaaaa.....”
Things WE love about Under the Rainbow:
We love a locally grown wool, especially from a woman-operated farm! Melanie's wool is a gorgeous cream color with a lovely hand. We love the connection to the farm the wool gives us, with the sheepy smell and natural ecru shade and sheen. Farm yarns forever!
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We are so grateful to our local artisans. They truly are the heartbeat of our shop and provide us and our fiber friends with immense creative energy and inspiration.
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