Jared Flood, the founder of Brooklyn Tweed, was one of the bloggers I followed back in the Before Ravelry days, when Clara Parkes’ Knitter’s Review forum site was THE place where the knitters exchanged information. Jared was living in New York back then, and his Brooklyn Tweed blog, with occasional mentions of my favorite haunts, eased some of my homesickness for New York City. His early designs were also fun knits. He was the first knitter I recall knitting a doily pattern in worsted weight rather than Cebelia thread, thus turning the doily into an afghan. That inspired me to hunt down and knit several Niebling doily patterns into blankets. Needless to say, I'm a fan, and BT yarn was at the top of my “must-have” list for the shop when I took over last year.
That explains my personal interest, but if you're unfamiliar with the brand, you must be wondering what all the fuss is about!
It’s simple, BT combines quality yarn with top-notch classic design. First, the yarn is sourced and spun in the US. That supports farmers and mills in this country while ensuring a certain quality level throughout the production process. It also ensures that our hobby doesn't add to the serious environmental problems in China, India, and other countries caused by the dying process.
Second, the designs are amazing! The on-staff designers are known for their timeless styles and well-written patterns. A handmade item is a huge investment in time and materials. The design should be timeless enough to hold up to the passage of time. Equally importantly, the wool should also hold up through the years. BT designs and wools remind me of Rowan from decades ago, when it was a design and fiber powerhouse. (BTW, Rowan is making a comeback, but more on that later.)
Read more about Brooklyn Tweed on their website, or better yet, just come in and see it for yourself!