This week, we’re shining our Maker Spotlight on Elysia of Yarn Ink, a woman-owned and operated hand-dyed yarn company based just outside of Calgary, Alberta.

Elysia’s colorways are every bit as bold and expressive as her creative spirit. What began as a stay-at-home mom’s experiment in hand-dyeing has grown into a thriving business celebrated for its vibrant hues, fearless messages, and heartfelt connection to the fiber community. From her unforgettable F*ck Cancer colorways to her love of collaboration and color, Elysia’s work reflects both resilience and authenticity -- two things we can never get enough of.

She was randomly selected from the generous group of sponsors who donated prizes to this year’s Knit for the Girls fundraiser in support of breast cancer research, and we’re so thrilled to share a glimpse into her journey.

Q. How did your business get started?

It all started after my daughter was born and she’d wear wool longies I knit over her cloth diapers. At the time I was a stay at home mom and we were on a limited budget so I couldn’t afford the super fancy hand dyed yarn. A friend of mine learned how to hand dye yarn and taught me the basics and the rest is history.

Q. Do you have a favorite project or piece that you've ever worked on? 

Honestly my favourite project has been f*ck cancer and I was so nervous when I first shared it because it’s a super sensitive topic (for obvious reasons) but I was shown nothing but insane support. So many vulnerable stories were shared about themselves, friends, family. I realized that I hit something with it because so many people felt that was the only way to say it.

Q.  If you could collaborate with any designer, dyer, or maker, who would it be, and why?

Oh wow this one is tough, there are so many! If I could only choose one though…. Wool & pine would be one of them for sure! I love their aesthetic and style.

Q. What do you like to listen to while you're working?

Honestly a huge mix, podcasts including Mel Robbins, The Birds Papaya, music if I just need to zone out and recently I’ve been rewatching Desperate Housewives.

Thank you, Elysia, for sharing your color, creativity, and heart with the fiber community. Your work reminds us how making can spark connection and joy in so many forms! You can discover

Elysia's vibrant creations -- and bring a little of that color into your own projects -- on Instagram and at Yarn Ink.

love,