Interview with Daisy Stitch Co

10/13/2020

 

A small sample of the seasonal colorways created by Daisy Stitch Co! Pictured from left to right: Cinnamon, Crisp Pear, Golden Hour, McIntosh Apple, and Moss. Photo courtesy of Daisy Stitch Co

Behind the Business: Speaking with Shelly of Daisy Stitch Co

While browsing Instagram one mid-July morning, a post featuring a "Christmas in July" sale by Daisy Stitch Co popped up in my stories. I was instantly captivated by the seasonal colorways, and was smitten by the beautiful combinations of colors that captured the transitions between summer and autumn, autumn and winter, etc. I reached out to Shelly Diaz of Daisy Stitch Co, and we began to collaborate on what would eventually become the Suzie Hat and Suzie Scarf crochet patterns! (Plus, we're currently putting together the Noel Blanket and Noel Hat patterns, to be released on November 1!)


When I start designing a new crochet pattern, I carefully consider the colorways and yarn weights I'll be featuring in the finished product. It feels a bit like magic when I find the perfect color and yarn for a project, and that exciting moment when things start to come together and I can truly envision how something will come to life never gets old! I find Shelly's yarns to be especially captivating, as they hit the sweet spot of cozy and classic wonderfully!


Without further ado, it's time to grab a cuppa and get comfy as I chat with Shelly about Daisy Stitch Co!



Welcome to the Stitchery & Co. blog, Shelly! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I live in Texas with my husband and 2 dogs, Daisy and Maggie. I have 2 grown up kids, Zach, 26, and Hannah, 23. I love the outdoors and being active. I go on lots of dog walks and bicycle rides.


I am obsessed with yarn and my passion is hand-dyeing yarn. I love being able to share my colors with other yarn enthusiasts. I have been crocheting for many years. My grandmother, Ida Fisher, taught me when I was a little girl. I still have many of the afghans she made for me and my family. Even after her passing, they remind me of her and the time we spent together crocheting.


Photo courtesy Daisy Stitch Co


How did Daisy Stitch Co get started?

Several years ago, I made a career change. I was managing a retail specialty store, working long hours and my stress level was at a high. My health was starting to suffer. So I took a leap of faith and decided to make a change. At first, I just wanted to take some time off to destress and work on improving my health. I have always loved to crochet, so I started making things for friends and family. Crocheting is a big stress reliever for me. I find it soothing and calming. It’s also very rewarding to make something for the people you love. Then I decided to open an Etsy shop and list some of my creations. I named the shop after my sweet Aussie mix, Daisy. As I got into it, I started designing and publishing patterns. After seeing a YouTube tutorial, I tried my hand at yarn dyeing. I loved it and became obsessed!


The Autumn Dreams Beanie Pattern - a free pattern by Daisy Stitch Co available here!


What's your favorite part of dyeing yarn?

I just love seeing the colors come together in the dye pan. It’s so fun to throw different colors in to see how they will turn out. Sometimes it’s a dud, but most of the time it’s better than I hoped for. I also love seeing these colors stitched up by my customers. It makes me so happy! I love seeing progress pics and finished projects.


You have so many beautiful color palettes to choose from! How do you select which colors will become part of your hand-dyed yarn collections?

I try to keep the palettes seasonal.  I am truly inspired by nature. My most recent collection was inspired by all of the gorgeous colors in autumn fruits. I have to be honest: sometimes, it’s by accident. I will experiment with something and love how it turns out and that becomes a colorway. I am obsessed with looking up color palettes online. I like to challenge myself and try to get the colors to look like the real thing. For example, I am super proud of McIntosh Apple. The way the colors came out, it really looks like the colors of the McIntosh Apple!


McIntosh Apple by Daisy Stitch Co


I'm always so curious as to how yarn dyers actually dye up their yarn! Are you working alone, or do you have help? What keeps you motivated and enthusiastic to keep going?

It’s taken me awhile to get my process down and I am still learning new things every day. I am meticulous about writing everything down. It’s important to me to be able to reproduce the colorways. I have mostly been working alone, with some help from my husband and daughter. I am currently looking for part-time help. I am so motivated by my awesome, supportive customers and fiber friends. The maker community is so amazing! Inspiration and creativity motivate me as well.  When I get an idea, I have to try it out. Being creative is so fulfilling for me. I have 2 sisters and they both have their own businesses. They both inspire me with their dedication and courage. We are each others cheerleaders!


What's in the future for Daisy Stitch Co?

The future is bright and I am so excited about  the possibilities of my business. Daisy Stitch Co has seen big growth this year. I have been able to keep up, but am currently looking to hire some help. I will be doing more shows and events. There are more collaborations coming up and my holiday collection will be released in November. Over the next year, I would love to be able to have a few brand ambassadors and maybe even move the business into an office space/warehouse. (I have taken over my house with all the dyeing stuff.)


Where can people find you and your yarn?

You can purchase my yarn online at Daisy Stitch Co, and you can follow me on Instagram at @daisystitchco.



 

Post a Comment