“What I really love to do is make yarn. That’s my passion,” says Matney Warner, the Colorado-based small business owner and creative mind behind YOSPUN. And with her impressive assortment of one-of-a-kind yarn, original knitting patterns, and finished goods, it’s easy to see that she takes this passion very seriously.
We got in touch to learn more.
When did you start knitting?
It was probably 12-15 years ago, before everything was about the internet and social media. I was reading a Country Living magazine article about knitting and how it was trending, and I became determined to teach myself. I put it down a few times along the way, but it kept speaking to me; eventually, I learned. After that, I became obsessed with yarn, and then obsessed with hand-spun yarn. That led me to learn spinning.
How did you learn to spin?
About 10 years ago, I was working at a nonprofit yarn shop and making accessories for my first little business, YOKNITS. One day, someone showed me a tiny blurb for spinning lessons in the back of a magazine and said, ‘You should check this out.’ So I called, and this woman began teaching me and took me under her wing. I probably shocked her a little bit when I brought this wild art-yarn book to our first meeting — she was a very conservative spinner — but the first time we sat down at the wheel, I kind of just knew how to do it. We ended up working together for a few months, and in the process built this really sweet friendship. It was a wonderful experience. From there, spinning grew into a passion – something I never stop thinking about, something I do every day.
What is the process like for making the yarn that’s in your shop? Can you tell me a little bit about your spinning wheel? It sounds so magical.
Yes! People — especially children — are always super intrigued by the spinning wheel. Mine is a really modern, two-treadle spinning wheel. When I make my yarn, I’ll have all my wool (that I’ve dyed in my little studio) here in a basket next to me. I’ll feed it through the spinning wheel, pulling the fibers in a rhythmic motion. Even though it’s hand-spun, I try to keep the fiber pretty consistent, so that knitters and crocheters can both work with it.
Do people ever send you photos of their finished items? What types of things do people make with your yarn?
A lot of my customers are making truly one-of-a-kind items with my yarn. I’ve seen some really creative scarves, a lot of accessories, shawls, and baby items like hats and blankets — all kinds of things! My customers aren’t necessarily looking for something they can produce over and over again, which is good, since there are often batches of yarn I create that I can’t recreate again exactly. That will always be part of YOSPUN, and I love that.
Do you do custom work as well?
I do – any time someone writes me with a custom request, the answer is always yes. Working on custom orders has definitely given me insight on where to take the yarn.
When you say custom – what types of requests do you get?
You know, I just made this amazing boho shawl for a wedding. The woman wanted feathers sewn on, which I’m not super familiar with. It was semi-experimental; it’s all white, and I was kind of nervous about that, but it worked and it was beautiful. Those kinds of things open up new possibilities, like: What if I had a wedding section?
It’s amazing to think of that possibility. So unexpected!
You know, there’s something to that. I’ve never really known where YOSPUN was going to go. It changes so much, so frequently. Sometimes I look at it and I’m like, ‘Maybe I’ll have scarves in Lord of the Rings someday.’ You just don’t know what’s going to happen.
What types of things inspire you?
I’m super inspired by the mountains here in Colorado. Outside of that, I love winter fashion and fashion in general. That’s a big one for me – watching the world’s fashion change and evolve. As far as fiber goes, I’m really inspired by the rhythm of the spinning wheel, and how it feels when I’m spinning — so meditative and relaxing. It’s such a gift.
How has your yarn – or your spinning practice – evolved since you started?
It’s funny, because I feel like I’ve just reached this point in the last couple of months where I know what I’m doing. I have a lot of people who look to me for support now, and I always have an answer for them. It feels so good to be like, ‘I totally know how to do that.’ Or, ‘Yes, I know how to fix that.’ My spinning has also changed a lot, and my color preferences are so different from when I started. I used to be into this artistic put-everything-into-your-yarn type of thing; if it sparkles, then the more sparkle the better. Now I’m like, the more natural, the better.
What are some of your goals for the future?
I would really love to have a studio or a brick-and-mortar setting that’s separate from my home. I hope that will happen someday; that’s what I’m working toward now, more than anything. I really have no plan other than just to see what evolves, because I’m so curious at this point. It’s something that I’m going to do every day; it’s in my heart, so where is it going to go, you know?
Maker and process photos by John Conrad and Chad Neufeld.
Shop YOSPUN
128 comments
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 5 years ago
Love your shop. Congrats on the feature!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
rosie from MissKnitYarns said 5 years ago
oh congratulations Matney, so well deserved ? you're a spinner i've admired for so long. your yarns are so delicious and the photography is just dreamy. can't believe it's taken this long to get a feature ?
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 5 years ago
Your items are beautiful, congrats on the feature!
Michela from LilyandFern said 5 years ago
Wonderful yarns!!
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 5 years ago
Congrats, I admired your talent and skills!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 5 years ago
Your yarns are beautiful Matney!!! Congratulations on the feature and blessings for your continued success!!!
thedelhistore from theDelhiStore said 5 years ago
Awesome work! Truly deserved feature!
DeUno from DeUno said 5 years ago
Lovely shop! Such a wonderful presentation! Congratulations on the feature!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Your photos are really impressive and inspiring, I love the way you represent your products with nature! Congratulations on the feature!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 5 years ago
Love your passion, Matney and really enjoyed your story! Beautiful yarns! All the best. Oh, and photos are awesome!
Dagni from EuporieBeadShop said 5 years ago
Beautiful yarns- so beautiful colors!
Carol Wagner from VintageBettyLuke said 5 years ago
These are so beautiful! Love all your photos too. They are amazing!
KP from oldspoolquiltery said 5 years ago
Very beautiful yarns! congratulations on the well deserved feature.
Patricia Ramirez from patsdesign said 5 years ago
Beautiful Yarn! Congrats!!!
Amy Gunderson from amysfunkyfibers said 5 years ago
So beautiful! Your pictures are fantastic-I can almost feel how soft everything is! The best to you and your success!
Lara from AudreyKnitted said 5 years ago
Superbly beautiful yarns and magic fiber creations come out of this shop. Matney is an original all the way. What a deserved featured seller!
Nakkashe from Nakkashe said 5 years ago
Great yarns, congrats on the feature
Jovita from alabatis said 5 years ago
Very beautiful and warm shop. Congratulations!
Manon from itsmemanon said 5 years ago
what a beautiful shop! ... the colors, the textures! ... it's simply awesome!
Connie Lea from LeaMade said 5 years ago
Beautiful yarns and great feature! Enjoyed reading about your process and how it all began! Connie
prairieoats from prairieoats said 5 years ago
Wonderful work and gorgeous shop! Many congrats!!
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature and continued success! Gorgeous shop with beautiful handspun yarn, LOVE the yarn with flowers!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 5 years ago
Beautiful creations! Congrats and more blessings!
Holly Elisabet Therriault from HollowtreIllustrator said 5 years ago
Beautiful - Gorgeous work! I crochet and love the feel of the yarn through my fingers! Thank you!
agusha from agusha said 5 years ago
Congratulations, well deserved feature! Your yarn is very unique !
Emily Lim from shuqi said 5 years ago
Love the color and congratulations
little Lia from LittleLiaGraphic said 5 years ago
wow, your yarn absolutely beautiful! Congrats on the feature :D
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 5 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Matney for sharing your infectious passion, phenomenal visions, and wonderful fibers with us. Peace.
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
It is so good to find your passion and have someone took you under her wings. Congratulations on the feature.
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature. :)
kmarcellene said 5 years ago
Love,Love,Love your yarn!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 5 years ago
Beautiful yarn, congrats on the feature!
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on the feature!
Craft Adorned from CraftAdorned said 5 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous! Congrats!
Bale and Twine from baleandtwine said 5 years ago
Great feature! Your colors are amazing. Congratulations!
Printable Nature from printablenature said 5 years ago
What a fun shop to feature. The photography is beautiful too! Congrats!
Adrienne from DabAndDabble said 5 years ago
Just looking at them makes me feel all cozy ♥♥♥
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 5 years ago
Interesting work. Congrats!
V from valezhki said 5 years ago
Amazing shop! Great vibes! All the best!
Shauna Marie from KnottyHauteChic said 5 years ago
FINALLY!!!!! You made it Matney! So proud of you and your hard work! I am forever in love with all the wonderful yarn and magic you have created, and have been waiting and hoping to see you feautured here since I bought my first skein of "Tiltawhirl" from you in 2009! So happy for you!!!!!!!
Idy from dyeing2meetU said 5 years ago
Congratulations Matney! You make amazing chunky, cosy, homy yarn, full of life! I totally agree with you "the more natural, the better" ;)
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
You are so dedicated to your craft, its so amazing !
Cathy White from msbijouxjewelry said 5 years ago
Very inspiring, congratulations on the feature! Lovely yarn!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 5 years ago
Very interesting, hand-spun fiber with great end results... colorful and soft. Congratulations Matney of shop YOSPUN.
CelebrateToday from CelebrateToday said 5 years ago
Great feature and beautiful yarn!!
Michele Lea from NawteaKittea said 5 years ago
Very beautiful shop!
HydrangeaJewelry from HydrangeaJewelry said 5 years ago
You are very artistic! I love the photos! Congrats!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 5 years ago
Wonderful colours and textures - that chunky pink yarn is beautiful! Lovely shop and lovely interview :o)
Elizabeth Mazurkiewicz from CrossStitchElizabeth said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on the feature .Lovely shop
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Great article! Congrats!
Laura Prill from lauraprilltoo said 5 years ago
congrats on this beautiful feature from a fellow Coloradan :)
Alaskalisky from AlaskaGoldRush said 5 years ago
Awesome shop!
Cheridah Spaulding from CheridahHatsNBags said 5 years ago
Love your colorful yarn! I learned to spin on a drop spindle and then studied spinning on a wheel under Momma Grivander in California for a while. I like the thick and thin feel of yarn as I crochet. Best wishes for the future.
K L from KShopping said 5 years ago
Cool shop!
Marilú from MVDesignInk said 5 years ago
What a great story! I'm so amazed at your work, congratulations on the feature!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 5 years ago
Beautiful story, shop, and photography! I love how you described the passion for what you do and that you are dedicated to it. Also, I am amazed that you are open to changes for your business and I completely understand the diversity and the passion for it. Best wishes and much success for a brick and mortar store! ♥
Elena Krasnenkova from FrostbergDecor said 5 years ago
Beautiful work!!!!! Congratulations on the feature!)))
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 5 years ago
Beautiful yarn! Makes me want to knit! I would love to learn how to spin! Congrats on the feature!
Aga from AgasJourney said 5 years ago
BEAUTIFUL!
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 5 years ago
How impressive! I love when things are handmade, down to the bone! I love your yarn. Too bad I only had to try knitting once to put it down... Maybe some day. Congrats! side note: the photos for the feature came out awesome!
Shelly Daood from BoundtobeCreative said 5 years ago
I love your style - unique and beautiful. Congratulations on the feature!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 5 years ago
Gorgeous feature! Congrats and best wishes :)
Wendy from DrevanM said 5 years ago
The way you explain spinning makes it sound very relaxing. I love the colors and variety in your shop. Very nice photos too. Congratulations on the feature!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 5 years ago
Very Impressive! Love the yarns and the colors. Congratulations on the feature!
Snazzy Living from Snazzyliving said 5 years ago
Love it. Congrats on your feature.
Patti from ChicModerne said 5 years ago
I love the colors and textures of your yarns. Great shop and inspirational story. Congrats on the feature! :)
Cheryl Berry from PretticoateJunction said 5 years ago
Congratulations on your feature story. Lovely shop and beautiful yarn colors. I always wanted a spinning wheel. I wish you great success.
Jen Root from SheepyShoes said 5 years ago
Congrats on your feature! I LOVE fiber myself, and I also am inspired by the Rocky Mountains, as a fellow Colorado resident. I wish you much success (and a B & M shop) in your future!
BonTons from BonTons said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the Feature!
Renata Sponn Design from Sponndesign said 5 years ago
Wonderful presentation! Congratulations on the feature!
Yael Berger from TheJoyofColor said 5 years ago
Congrats Matney for the feature, i adore yarns, my mom used to have a small shop of knitting yarns so it was part of my childhood i ended up as a textile designer :) and now i'm painting Love your beautiful yarns , maybe someday i'll learn to spin yarn too. All the best
R. Anne from LnRworks said 5 years ago
Congrats on being featured! Really neat shop <3
Heather from PixiePlunders said 5 years ago
That blush coloured yarn you're holding in the photo is just gorgeous! Congrats on the feature :) You have a beautiful shop
Portia from SoftJewelrybyPortia said 5 years ago
Such a great story! As an obsessed knitter, I really identify with the meditative qualities in working with yarn. So far I only knit, but the spinning process looks very tempting, too! Congrats on your feature!
Juan from artiBOOM said 5 years ago
Great person, great shop, great story! Congratulations and thanks for sharing this inspiring interview!
Jenicia from PaperType said 5 years ago
Such interesting colours and patterns. Lovely!
Ginger Annette from AlvatonDesignStudio said 5 years ago
Where to begin, Matney?!!! Your yarn selection is so unique, so appealingly natural, and simply gorgeous. The photography of the yarns, patterns, and garments in your shop is so spot-on, it seems as if I can feel the organic texture of the hand-spun lovelies. Your shop is exemplary in that regard, as well as, in pricing. You deserve to be compensated for your labor. Additionally, John and Chad get major kudos for the fantastic feature photography. They really portrayed your product in the perfect context and with the perfect mixture of softness and clarity. Thank you for sharing your story, including the parts about being mentored and now mentoring in return. I wish you much success and that your brick-and-mortar dreams come true!
elizamoon from elizabetmoon said 5 years ago
Ooo my.. what beautiful yarns! Truly unique.
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 5 years ago
You're shop is fantastic! Congrats!
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 5 years ago
great shop, congrats!
riverwoodprimitives from RiverwoodPrimitives said 5 years ago
AWESOME!
CHIC FLAG from ChicFlag said 5 years ago
Love!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop!!
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 5 years ago
Beautiful yarns and wonderful journey! In my next life I will try yarn-based work instead of fabric and that world! Congrats and good luck as you continue your journey!
Eva Zmatlikova from HappyDogLucky said 5 years ago
Gorgeous work.. I love the colors... I might have to buy some..:)
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 5 years ago
Bravo Matney!!! J'adore your beautiful and unique yarns!!! Congrats on being featured!!! And, here's to beaucoup more success!!! Pugs & kisses
Etrennes from Etrennes said 5 years ago
Beautiful inspiration and work! Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
Agata Kurek from KOKOworld said 5 years ago
Good luck!
Jill Ffrench from FantailsAndFeet said 5 years ago
I really love the texture variation in your yarns. Gorgeous!
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 5 years ago
Compliments ♥
Katrina Shawver from MarKatKnitNCrochet said 5 years ago
Love the yarns! and the photos. Looks so peaceful doing what you love. Congrats!
Tempy from UrbanGreyWhale said 5 years ago
Oh my goodness! Spinning your own yarn is amazing. Well done and I hope your shop dreams come true!!
Daniela Maldarizzi Casalino from dadavinylsanddesigns said 5 years ago
Wow! Good job! I love the pictures and your work!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 5 years ago
Beautiful items! Congrats!
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 5 years ago
Beautiful work, congratulations!
primlark from primlark said 5 years ago
Beautiful!
Frances Flor from stillrain said 5 years ago
You make me want to start knitting :)
Toni Swedberg from CoolTricks said 5 years ago
Beautiful work and attitude!
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 5 years ago
I love the look and colors are fabulous! I'll be sure to share this shop with my friends! Also the way you photographed everything is very creative. I especially loved the big round hay bale!
Tim Condron from InOro said 5 years ago
Fantastic photo's and I love all the beautiful colors and textures! Best for a great future.
AtticJoys1 from AtticJoys1 said 5 years ago
Congrats on your feature. Absolutely beautiful shades and textures. Just love your pictures.
Tina from sierramoontreasures said 5 years ago
Lovely article with super pictures of your yarn creations! I learned to spin on a drop spindle at a non-profit gathering.
stacey from TessCloset said 5 years ago
So pretty! I enjoyed reading about you and your shop-inspirational! Congrats on the feature and best wishes to you. Loved your photography.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 5 years ago
Gorgeous Colorful Yarn! Congrats!
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 5 years ago
Beautiful collection. Congrats on your feature. All the best..
Katy Allgeyer from ArtBarn said 5 years ago
Your yarns are spectacular. I used to shop the world for interesting yarns for Liz Claiborne when I designed sweaters for her in the 80s. I'm loving the slubby roving yarns again. Your photographs are stunning, too. Brava!
JOANNA from BUSTANI said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 5 years ago
naturally beautiful inside and out ~ cheers to much yosuccess !
Papillon Italiano from PapillonItaliano said 5 years ago
Lovely shop!
Rachna from ethnocity said 5 years ago
I wish I came across your store when I used to be a knitwear designer..oh well!! you never know..your yarns are definitely igniting my creativity:)
Donna Roberge from DonnaRobergePhoto said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Thanks for the inspiration and much success!
Not Made In China Finds from NotMadeInChinaFinds said 4 years ago
Inspiring!
Yarn shop from PetiteWool said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature!
Justyna W. from Nibyniebo said 4 years ago
amazing yarn, lovely shop, congrats
Katrin from KatrinKnitting said 4 years ago
Great shop! Congratulations on the feature! :)
Makenzie Alvarez from HanksAndNeedles said 4 years ago
Your work is beautiful! I am just now breaking away from traditional pieces and starting to have more fun creating my own work. I wish you nothing but success, may all your dreams come true. Thank you for being so inspiring. Best Wishes, Makenzie
Cheryl Mendenhall from EECustomHorseShoes said 4 years ago
Thank you for sharing your shop! Congratulations on your feature!
Ashton Lai-Fang said 4 years ago
Thank you for sharing details about your shop. It's great to see someone who wakes up every day with the same passion and motivation to do what they love. When your work brings you a sense of meditation and relaxation, it doesn't feel so much like 'work.' I like how you use the surrounding mountains for inspiration also. The picture with you using the spinning wheel is simple but very elegant as well.
Ashton Lai-Fang said 4 years ago
Congratulations on your feature and good luck pursuing your passion!
teestrend from Trend2Tees said 4 years ago
Beautiful yarns and wonderful journey! Just a magic items!
Carrie Paquette from Artbycarriepaquette said 4 years ago
Congrats on your success!
greenphilosophie from greenphilosophie said 4 years ago
?????
Melissa Burke from ApiaryKnits said 4 years ago
Love your color choices and textures! Congrats on the feature!
bella TAZ from bellaTAZ said 4 years ago
Thank you! Your yarns are a fabulous work of art, along w/ your fab photos. Love , love, love it all.
Christina Gillilan from ChristinasCraftsCo said 4 years ago
You are very talented. Love your work!
mordehy oz from REALIZEDREAMORLY said 4 years ago
Just great, great products,
Yarn shop from PetiteWool said 4 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!