To celebrate “10 Years of Woolfolk,” Woolfolk’s Creative Director, Vanessa, joins Founder Kristin in a conversation reflecting on the company’s journey and sharing a glimpse into what lies ahead. Read their conversation below.

1. DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS LIKE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED WOOLFOLK 10 YEARS AGO?

I’m not a particularly entrepreneurial person, but when the opportunity to work with the Ovis 21 co-op came along, I fell in love with the fiber at first feel. I decided to dive in and bought a large amount, thinking, at worst, I’d never need to buy yarn again if it didn’t work out. Fortunately, I had a partner who fully supported my ideas.

2. WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO YOU WHEN BUILDING A YARN BRAND?

It was thinking outside of the yarn box. I wanted it to be design centric, and part of a bigger story than just beautiful skeins of yarn.

3. FOR THOSE THAT ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH WOOLFOLK, CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT ULTIMATE MERINO WOOL IS — WOOLFOLK’S SIGNATURE FIBER. HOW YOU’RE ABLE TO SOURCE THIS PRECIOUS MATERIAL AND WHY IT’S SO INTEGRAL TO OUR BRAND?

The first time I felt a cone of Ultimate Merino, it was through a representative from Portland—a fishing acquaintance of my husband. I remarked that it was “really nice cashmere” and expressed how much I’d love to knit with it. That’s when he shared the story of Ovis 21 Merino, a unique fiber developed through selective breeding of what they call MPM, or multipurpose merino. These sheep are bred with minimal skin folds to prevent disease, are full-bodied for meat, and have an extraordinarily fine micron count, much lower than traditional merino.

We later had the opportunity to visit Patagonia, where the Ovis 21 co-op is based, and meet the farmers who deeply value their sheep, their land, and their workers. When I asked if their practices were sustainable, I was met with a surprising answer: “No, we are regenerative farmers.” Their mission is not just to sustain but to improve the grasslands, farming in ways that prevent desertification of the fragile environment and ultimately leave the land healthier than they found it.

4. FOR THOSE THAT ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH YOUR BACKGROUND, COULD YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT OF WHAT YOURSELF?

My knitting journey began at age five, when my grandmother taught my sister and me to knit. (Sidenote: the aforementioned grandmother’s maiden name was Woolfolk) Knitting has been a constant presence in my life ever since. I worked as an architect for 20 years and was then fortunate enough to raise my kids on our farm, where I also dabbled in hard cider production and raising Highland cattle. When the opportunity to work with the Ovis 21 co-op came along, I was at the right stage in life to take on the challenge of starting a little company.

5. WERE THERE ANY PARTICULAR EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPE YOUR INITIAL VISION FOR THE COMPANY?

I have always lived in the Pacific Northwest, and love doing all things outdoors. The palette is a natural derivation of the beautiful scenic locale; it informs the colors of Woolfolk. My Danish heritage and love of minimal design also creeps into how we present the brand.

6. WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE LANGUAGE OF WOOLFOLK, OUR UNIQUE COLOR PALETTE  OFTEN COMES TO MIND FIRST. COULD YOU SHARE WITH OUR FANS MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH TO DEVELOPING THESE DISTINCTIVE TONES?

The inspiration for Woolfolk colors comes directly from the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest—the woods, the coast, and the mountains that surround us. When I first started the brand, our palette included only 12 colors, five of which were shades of gray. As we’ve grown, we’ve added new tones while staying true to what I call the “Woolfolk way.” If a color feels a bit elusive or hard to describe, it’s likely a Woolfolk color. Color 13 is a perfect example; I initially nicknamed it “dirty seafoam,” and the name has stuck ever since, capturing that subtle, undefinable quality we strive for.

7. WHY WAS RED CHOSEN AS THE ANNIVERSARY COLOR?

As we celebrate Woolfolk’s anniversary, we wanted to choose a color that not only evokes a sense of boldness and passion but also symbolizes strength and timeless beauty. Red, with its rich history and emotional depth, felt like the perfect choice. It speaks to the energy, creativity, and connection we have fostered within the knitting community.

“Even though bright colors weren’t part of the original DNA of Woolfolk, this red represents both our roots and our vision for the future — vibrant, enduring, and filled with warmth. As we launch this anniversary red, we hope it becomes a unique staple in your collection, inspiring projects that feel as meaningful as they are beautiful.” says Kristin, Woolfolk’s Founder.

8. WHAT KIND OF BRAND DO YOU HOPE WOOLFOLK WILL BECOME FOR PEOPLE IN THE NEXT 5 TO 10 YEARS?

In the coming years, I hope to continue introducing innovative products to a wider audience. My goal has never been to be an “industry leader”; this is not a race, but an experience. Woolfolk is not just a yarn company — we bridge the worlds of fashion, design, and responsible production. I believe the lines between these disciplines will become even more interconnected in the next decade.

Shop our limited-edition Celebration Red in Aran and DK weight!

We didn’t anticipate this incredible level of excitement, there’s only a limited amount of this special celebration color left! Be sure to grab enough yarn for your project while it lasts. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future restocks!