African Expressions makes South African yarns from natural fibres, bringing locally sourced wool and mohair from farm to store. Its colours draw on the country’s landscapes, while SAMIL Natural Fibres handles the manufacture of every African Expressions yarn. The brand also supports knitters and crocheters with patterns and tutorials, including hand-dyeing and hand-painting guidance.
Blue Thistle FibersAt the confluence of West Virginia’s Gauley and New Rivers, Blue Thistle Fibers runs a small-batch fiber mill and natural dye studio that turns wool and alpaca into prepared fiber, felt, and plant-dyed yarn. Clare and Sara build the family business around Appalachian making, sourcing ethically and using dyes grown on their farm, gathered locally, or foraged from the surrounding landscape. Their Gauley Bridge mill also welcomes makers for workshops, tours, and hands-on fiber processing.HUNTINGTON, WV
Gist YarnGist Yarn is a small, creative company founded in 2017 by Sarah Resnick to help build a community around weaving. It develops natural-fiber yarns for weavers and supports the craft through original patterns, learning resources, and programs that connect artists with wider textile communities.
LANDLAND makes small-batch knitwear by hand in its Rhinebeck, New York studio, using natural fibers sourced through U.S. farms and mills. Founded by Emilie Babinski to help renew the Northeast’s textile heritage, the label connects contemporary apparel with regional fiber farmers and traditional craftsmanship. Its wool garments are made with an emphasis on ethical production and local economies.
AFROTHREADS LLCFounded by Ghanaian-American sisters Evonne and Erika, AFROTHREADS LLC is an African textile design studio creating fashion and decor from authentic African fabrics. Operating in Accra, Ghana, and Baltimore, Maryland, the studio sources directly from African artisans and brands after discovering that many prints sold in Ghana were made elsewhere. Its online store launched in 2019, alongside education about textile history and a focus on preserving cultural techniques through handmade, limited collections.