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Where My Yarn Comes From (and Why That Matters)

 

One of the questions I get most often - especially from people who are new to handmade crochet - is:

“Where do you get your yarn?”

It’s a great question, because the quality of the yarn plays a huge role in how a finished piece looks, feels, and holds up over time. At Hippie Stitches by Shannon, I’m very intentional about the yarns I choose. I don’t just grab whatever is cheapest or easiest to find. I source yarn from trusted suppliers that consistently offer good fibers, beautiful colors, and reliable quality.

Over the years, my yarn preferences have evolved. Some stores have changed, some have closed, and I’ve discovered new favorites along the way. What hasn’t changed is my commitment to using yarns that feel good in your hands and are made to last.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes at where I source my yarn and what I look for when choosing materials for Hippie Stitches pieces.


What I Look for in Yarn

Before I ever place an order, I’m looking for a few key things:

  • Consistent quality: yarn that behaves predictably and holds its shape

  • Softness and comfort: especially important for wearables and accessories

  • Strong color stories: earthy tones, rich neutrals, and boho-inspired palettes

  • Reliable sourcing: reputable companies with transparent fiber info

  • And of course: beautiful yarns I love to work with

If a yarn doesn’t meet those standards, it doesn’t make it into my work.


Trusted Yarn Suppliers I Use

Wool Warehouse (UK)

This has been my go-to yarn source for a few years. Their house brand, Yarnsmiths, is a standout. It's soft, affordable, and available in a wide range of gorgeous colors (especially the warm browns, rusts, and earthy tones I love) in natural fibers like cotton and wool.

Why I trust them:

  • Excellent quality control

  • Huge color ranges, which helps with consistency

  • Dye lot selection when needed

  • Clear pricing and upfront shipping/tariff estimates

Even with international shipping & tariffs, their yarns remain an incredible value for the quality.


KnitPicks / WeCrochet (U.S.)

These sister companies carry the same yarn lines and are known for dependable, consistent fibers.

What makes them a staple for me:

  • Reliable quality across every order

  • Beautiful, thoughtfully designed color palettes

  • Great options in both natural and blended fibers

Their yarns are especially great for pieces that need durability without sacrificing softness.


Herrschners (U.S.)

When I’m working on larger projects or pieces that need to stay budget-friendly without feeling cheap, Herrschners is a solid choice.

Why I use them:

  • Affordable house-brand yarns

  • Surprisingly soft acrylic options

  • Durable fibers that hold up well to regular use

Their yarns are practical, dependable, and perfect for everyday handmade items.


Premier Yarns (U.S.)

A newer favorite for me, Premier offers a great balance between quality and value, especially when it comes to trying new fibers.

Why they’ve earned my trust:

  • Consistently good yarn quality

  • Great opportunities to experiment with different blends

  • Excellent value when purchasing multi-skein bundles

They’re a fun way for me to explore new textures while still maintaining standards.


LindeHobby (Denmark)

This shop has quickly become a favorite for sourcing high-quality European yarns, especially Drops yarns.

What I love:

  • Transparent pricing and smooth checkout even with tariffs

  • Excellent house-brand yarns

  • A wide selection of fibers and styles

It’s a great source for unique yarns that aren’t always easy to find locally.


Supporting Independent Makers, Too

In addition to larger suppliers, I also occasionally source specialty yarns from independent dyers and spinners. This allows me to support small businesses while offering truly special, limited-run pieces.

I'm looking forward to attending the Des Moines Spinners and Weavers Guild annual FiberFest in April. THIS BLOG POST is all about how much inspiration I got from attending last year!


Why This Matters for You

When you purchase from Hippie Stitches, you’re not just buying a finished crochet piece, you’re getting:

  • Carefully selected materials

  • Thoughtful sourcing

  • Yarn chosen for comfort, durability, and beauty

I believe handmade items should feel just as good to use as they do to own, and quality yarn is the foundation of that promise. If you're not sure how to care for handmade goods like this, read THIS POST.

If you ever have questions about the materials used in a specific piece, I’m always happy to share more information because transparency and trust matter here just as much as creativity.

For a more detailed page, CLICK HERE!



"She was a gypsy at heart, her hair was messy, her eyes were wild, and her soul free."

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