Equinox Yarns is the vision of a beginning knitter as a solution to a creative stumbling block, and from a feeling of being out of touch with the natural world.

In the beginning

On several occasions I had tried to teach myself to knit. I purchased an inexpensive book, metal needles and a skein of synthetic yarn from a discount store. I became frustrated following the directions, and the yarn and knitting needles felt cold and clumsy in my hands. I picked up those same materials on several occasions, and put them down again, frustrated each time. I finally donated them to charity, feeling grateful that I had not invested much.

For years I watched with envy as friends and strangers turn out beautiful projects. I yearned to be able to make a hat, or a baby sweater, or a blanket for gifts, and present them to loved ones, knowing that each stitch had been made with care and tender thoughts. With two very young children, my life afforded fewer and fewer creative outlets.

And Then There Was Light

In late September 2004, I took my family to the Commonground Fair in Union, Maine. We spent a wonderful day eating yummy organic food, watching sheep dog demonstrations and listening to roosters crow. My son exclaimed, “Daddy, they really DO make that sound – cock-a-doodle-doey!” We also spent some time with the alpacas. And I fell in love. They are such unusual, noble and useful animals. I watched the spinning demonstrations and was awed by the beauty of the wheels. I felt the hand knit projects and yarns and felt inspired. I remember securing a feeling of peace that day, and I wanted to carry it with me.

Perseverance Pays Off

To that end, I decided to attempt knitting again - but with natural products - hoping that would spiritually move me to succeed. I bought bamboo needles and llama yarn from a specialty shop. I dug out the instruction book and gave it try. I figured out the knit stitch, but stumbled for two days on the purl stitch. Determined not to give up, I took it to my husband’s co-worker. Between seeing patients at the bustling veterinary hospital, Catherine took my needles and yarn and showed me how to purl. I went home and that night sat in bed trying to recreate what I had seen earlier, to no avail. I put them down and went to sleep, frustrated again. I’ve read somewhere that knitters always remember where they are when they first learned to purl. The next morning I awoke with all the tangles in my brain smoothed out. The stitch had come to me in my sleep. I picked up the needles and VOILA! What a relief.

Equinox Yarns Is Born

So Equinox Yarns has come from a place in my heart that seeks to fill my life and the lives of others with wholesome, earthy, simple pleasures. Rather than synthetic materials, acrylic yarns and metal or plastic needles, I want to provide customers with a sense of place on earth. Equinox Yarns are made from alpaca fleece from Maine Farmers and are spun in Maine Fiber Mills. Equinox Yarns puts you in touch with the animals who gave of themselves for your next pair of socks or mittens or hat or sweater. Each label provides information about the yarn itself, the alpaca from which it came, and a thoughtful quotation for meditation or laughter – both of which are essential in this bustling world. I hope you enjoy!

The Future Looks Bright

I hope to own my own alpacas someday soon. Breeding animals for the highest luster, density and softness is my goal. The animal side appeals to me very much and, as a licensed Veterinary Technician, and with a Veterinarian for a husband, I think we’re set for success. Ava and Lukas, our children, are in love with these gentle animals as well, and Lukas has begun saving in his piggy bank for his own animal. With any luck and a lot of hard work, Equinox Yarns will give birth to Alpacas of Winter Solstice Farm. Keep in touch to watch our progress.