Skein Queen

Skein Queen Skein Queen is a small artisan yarn dyeing business established in 2007 and owned by Rachel Moutrie since 2019. To find out when, why not join her mailing list.

Skein Queen dyeworks
Artisan hand-dyer of luxury yarn
www.skeinqueenyarns.co.uk
Selling online and at shows or by appointment at our studio
Wholesale also available - contact me for details Skein Queen has a working studio/dyeworks at World's End near Newbury in Berkshire - visitors are welcome strictly by appointment, as we may be away at a show. If you're not in the local area, Skein Queen updates her online shop with hand-dyed yarn every few weeks. https://www.subscribepage.com/sqsignup

Tip Tuesday! 🧶It's completely OK not to finish everything you start - sometimes a project just isn't working and that's ...
04/08/2026

Tip Tuesday! 🧶

It's completely OK not to finish everything you start - sometimes a project just isn't working and that's fine! The lovely thing about yarn is that it's reusable.

If your yarn is very crinkly after frogging, wind it into a skein with plenty of loose ties and either steam it or soak it in warm water. It will straighten out beautifully and be ready to use again.

Follow me for knitting and yarn tips every Tuesday 🧶

This or That? 🧶Charts or written instructions?Some knitters swear by charts and once you can read them they're quick and...
03/08/2026

This or That? 🧶

Charts or written instructions?

Some knitters swear by charts and once you can read them they're quick and visual and you can see the pattern taking shape. Others find written instructions much clearer and easier to follow row by row.

I love patterns that include both, but which do you reach for first?

Let me know in the comments!

A well written pattern makes all the difference 🧶Tech editing isn't just about checking stitch counts, it's about makin...
02/08/2026

A well written pattern makes all the difference 🧶

Tech editing isn't just about checking stitch counts, it's about making sure every instruction is clear, unambiguous and easy to follow for the knitter. A pattern can be beautifully designed but if the instructions are confusing it's a frustrating experience.

My Llannerch shawl pattern is both charted and written, so you can follow whichever suits you best - or use both together as you build confidence with charts!

All my patterns are tech edited by someone else even though I tech edit for other designers. It's very hard to edit your own patterns so I value another pair of eyes checking it over. I believe clear instructions are just as important as good design.

Are you a chart reader or do you prefer written instructions?

When I design a pattern, the yarn almost always comes first 🧶The colour, the texture, the weight; They all shape what I ...
01/08/2026

When I design a pattern, the yarn almost always comes first 🧶

The colour, the texture, the weight; They all shape what I want to make. I love creating designs that look more complicated than they actually are, so you get that lovely 'ooh how did you do that?' reaction without the headache.

I've been thinking a lot about the relationship between yarn and design lately, which is part of what led me to start a my blog - Yarn Adventure. I've been writing about yarn properties and how understanding your yarn makes you a more confident knitter and designer.

Do take a look at yarnadventure.co.uk — there's more content coming regularly!

I find travel really inspiring for my design work 🚢 I spotted this jumper in a museum I visited while in Norway.When I c...
31/07/2026

I find travel really inspiring for my design work 🚢 I spotted this jumper in a museum I visited while in Norway.

When I came home I designed this hat, with a nod to the Norwegian knitting patterns. I can't share much about the pattern yet as it's for an exciting upcoming project, but I wanted to show you how my holiday fed into the design.

What inspires you?

30/07/2026

Design is not a linear process. This wasn't looking how i wanted it so I'm starting again.

I've been busy working on something new recently, and part of that is a blog. It's still very new with only a couple of ...
29/07/2026

I've been busy working on something new recently, and part of that is a blog. It's still very new with only a couple of posts but I have plans for lots more.

Its aim is to demystify some of the questions I often hear about yarn. I'm sure there are many more that think the same. Do keep checking back for now as I build content - more us to come.

I'd love to know what you think or if there's anything you'd like me to cover. 🧶

Have you ever been confused by the term 4ply?It's used as a yarn weight but thats not really where it's from - it's abou...
28/07/2026

Have you ever been confused by the term 4ply?

It's used as a yarn weight but thats not really where it's from - it's about how many strands are twisted together to make the yarn. A 4ply yarn has (you guessed it) 4 plies twisted together, which gives it that smooth, defined stitch definition that knitters and crocheters love.

It's a question I think a lot of people are confused about but don't like to ask. I don't believe there are any silly questions - so is there anything else that confuses you about yarn?

A question for the crafters and designers... 🧶When you start a new project, what comes first - the yarn or the pattern?D...
27/07/2026

A question for the crafters and designers... 🧶

When you start a new project, what comes first - the yarn or the pattern?

Do you fall in love with a yarn and hunt for the perfect pattern to show it off? Or do you find a pattern you love and then go searching for the perfect yarn?

I've done both before but these days I'm firmly in the yarn first camp - the yarn almost always tells me what it wants to become! What about you? 👇

Address

Unit 6, Langley Business Court, Worlds End, Beedon
Newbury
RG208RY

Telephone

+447720257107

Website

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