Yarn Trends We Saw at Maker Festivals Loveland 2023

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The first day of any Maker Festival Marketplace is always buzzing. Eager yarn lovers can’t wait to get in to see what new yarns are on offer from their favorite vendors. The Loveland 2023 event showcased a range of innovative and exciting yarns, and the top 5 trends revealed themselves quickly! These are the yarns that attendees couldn’t get enough of, and you’re sure to want to stash away yourself.

Here’s a deeper dive into these trendy yarns!

Two twisted hanks of Western Sky Knits' slubby mohair silk in a dark pink and rusty brown. — Get two skeins in one with Western Sky Knits’ Slubby Mohair Silk combo. | Image source: Western Sky Knits

Slubby Mohair Silk from Western Sky Knits

Western Sky Knits stole our hearts with their slubby mohair silk skeins. The hank is two skeins in on and when knit together becomes a luscious blend of mohair, silk, and Merino with luxurious sheen and softness. The slubby texture adds a unique and interesting element to any project, and we loved the way it looked when paired with more traditional smooth yarns. We think this yarn would be perfect for sweaters, scarves, and other cozy items that you want to wear all winter long.

A twisted hank of Leading Men Fiber Arts Sparkle Sock in a deep red shade with shiny silver flecks. — Leading Men Fiber Art Sparkle Sock was very popular! | Image source: Leading Men Fiber Arts

Sparkle Sock by Leading Men Fiber Arts

If you’re looking for a yarn with a little extra glam, then Sparkle Sock by Leading Men Fiber Arts is the perfect choice. These yarns are made from a blend of merino wool and lurex, which gives them a subtle shimmer and sparkle. The sparkle is not overpowering, but it adds just the right amount of glitz to any project. We loved the way these yarns looked when paired with lace or other openwork stitch patterns, and we think they would be perfect for shawls, wraps, and other delicate items. And of course, they’re perfect in a basic, vanilla sock where you can see the yarn really sparkle!

Zebra Yarns by Sun Valley Fibers

Another yarn trend saw at Maker Festival Loveland 2023 was zebra yarns, and we loved those from by Sun Valley Fibers. These yarns are named for the bold black stripes that run throughout the skeins, and they’re so new they aren’t even on the Sun Valley website yet. The contrasting stripes create a striking and graphic effect that is perfect for modern designs. These yarns are made from a blend of superwash merino and nylon, which means they are soft, durable, and perfect for socks and other hard-wearing items. We loved the way the stripes worked up in simple stitch patterns, and we can’t wait to see what designs knitters will create with them.

A neon variegated skein of Haute Boheme Fibers yarn in shades of hot pink, bright orange, peach, and dusty blue. — Haute Boheme Fibers offers neon colors on a variety of base weights. | Photo source: Golden Peak Media

Neon Yarns by Haute Boheme

Haute Boheme Fibers had a gorgeous selection of one of the hottest trends this year—neon yarns. These yarns come in a range of vibrant, eye-catching colors that are perfect for adding a pop to any project. The neon hues are perfect for accessories, sweaters, and anything else you can dream up. We loved the way the neon colors looked when paired with more muted shades, and we think they will be a hit with knitters looking to make a statement.

A skein of Two Sisters Yarn Company's bulky self striping yarn in a twisted hank with bright, rainbow colors. — One skein Two Sisters Yarn Company Bulky Self-Striping yarn for a quick hat. | Image source: Two Sisters Yarn Co.

Bulky Self-Striping Yarn by Two Sisters Yarn Company

For those who love a quick knit, bulky self-striping yarn by Two Sisters Yarn Company is the perfect choice. Throughout just one skein you get a range of colors that change every few rows, creating a fun and playful effect. The bulky weight means that projects knit up quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gifts or winter accessories. We loved the way these yarns worked up in simple stitch patterns, and one skein is enough for a cozy winter hat.

It’s clear that the excitement and energy at Maker Festival Loveland 2023 was palpable! With so much to see, it’s no surprise that the top 5 trends quickly rose to the top. Whether you love soft slubby silk for delicate projects or luxurious wool for heftier endeavors, one thing is certain— these sought-after yarns need a place in your stash!

Did you attend Maker Festival Loveland? We want to hear about what yarns topped your must-have list!

Serial yarn sniffer Kerry Bogert loves to spend her time knitting when she’s not collaborating with the team at Interweave or editing Interweave Knits magazine. Her passion for making things with her hands is only matched by her love for her children and a well-attenuated stout. Kerry endeavors to never stop learning, buying yarn, or collecting beads. Read her latest articles at Interweave.com.

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