Saturday Spotlight Presents Snerb Yarn

Happy Spotlight Saturday friends! Today I present Snerb Yarn and uhm you can thank me later 😊

1. Lets start at the beginning,  tell me your yarn story.

First, thank you so much for having me Gaye! It’s an absolute honor. My name is Bren! I’m a 40 something mom of two children, one in college and one in high school. I’m also an Army wife of almost 20 years

I first became interested in yarn arts as a young mother-to-be and I wanted to make my unborn son a blanket. So I bought a book and taught myself how to knit. My son will be 16 in April, so I think it’s safe to say I fell down the rabbit hole head first. Now I knit, spin, crochet, and weave and I’m an indie dyer.

I also used to be a production spinner and learned a lot about hand processing wool from raw fleece. I learned about equipment and different fiber preparation and what technique works best for a given breed. I find it endlessly fascinating and I’m always experimenting with plant and animal fibers. I use that knowledge in my own work and I love to share that knowledge with others through my Facebook group, “A Spinners Study”. I love being able to help others learn something I’m so passionate about.

2. I saw a beautiful yellow WIP that was crocheted. Which craft do do the most? Who taught you and how long has it been?

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I knit the very most. I still consider myself a crochet novice! But I definitely have to say I’m a very adventurous beginner. I truly believe that the best way to learn something is to immerse yourself. That yellow yarn was dyed specifically for the crochet project you’re referring to. It’s destined to be a sweater called “Goldenrod Sweater” by Linda Skuya. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful yoke design. It’s actually my first time crocheting a pullover sweater. So far I’m really enjoying it and learning a lot in the process. Especially about reading crochet patterns.

I’m completely self-taught all yarn arts. I just make the decision to learn, then do the research, buy what I need, and teach myself how to do it. I’ve been knitting for 17 years, spinning and dyeing for about 6 years, crocheting for about 3 years, and weaving for about 2 years. I’m really keen on learning macramé!

3. So you are just a Jill of all trades!? That yellow blew my mind!!! How did the yarn dye business start? How did you come up with the name?

Taking the plunge into selling my work happened kinda by accident. I would share my work or a wip on social media and got some really good feedback from what I was sharing. Some people were interested in purchasing what I made for themselves. I have to say that at first I was really stingy and resistant. I was perfectly happy keeping everything! LOL. It took me a solid two years to decide that I wanted to sell my work to other people. I’m very blessed that people like my work enough to actually buy it. I am still blown away by that fact. I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love so dearly.

 

The name Snerb Yarn & Fiber is just a spin-off of my name. My name is Bren and “Snerb” is just “Bren’s” spelled backwards. I know…soooooo original (not). LOL! But I think it’s just weird enough that people remember it.

4. OMGAWD! I love that name all the more now! What is your best seller?

My colorway of the month is my best seller. I dye a new colorway every month on yarn and fiber and offer it to my customers on the first day of every month. It’s a lot of fun!

5. Your colors are SPECTACULAR!! What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business like yours?

Pace yourself and take time to learn your craft first. I didn’t start selling my work right away. I took my time and allowed myself to grow as yarn and fiber artist. Take time to learn what you like and don’t like. Develop your own personal technique that makes you stand out among the masses. Be genuine, be friendly, be unique, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You learn from mistakes.

6. Great advice, I agree in every mistake there is a lesson. What are you most proud of when it comes to SnerbYarn?

That I was able to build it slowly over time and didn’t need to take out a business loan to do it. I don’t owe anyone money!

7. What a wonderful story Bren! Thanks for spending a little time with me. What’s next for you?
I’m still a home based business. I’ve taken over my garage. The next step for me is a dedicated commercial space for my business.

 

Well folks if your are not done drooling over this lovely yarn head on over to her website and you can find her on Instagram as SnerbYarn.