Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Koch.
Hi Elise, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Crafting has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching my mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother sew, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. Their hands were always busy, and I was fascinated. Over the years, they passed down their knowledge to me, and I’m lucky to still have many of their handmade treasures — physical reminders of their love and artistry.
Despite their patient teaching, knitting always eluded me. My mom tried several times to help me learn, but something about the way she held the needles or maybe just the technique made it feel completely foreign. It was frustrating, and I let it go.
Fast forward to adulthood: a dear friend invited me to a knitting group at a local cancer support organization called Women Supporting Women. I told her I didn’t know how to knit. “No problem,” she said. “We’ll teach you!” And they did. Within ten minutes, I was knitting. Within a week, I had made a stack of washcloths and slippers. A month later, I was working on my first prayer shawl — and completely hooked.
As I explored yarns, I became curious about fibers. I always thought wool was scratchy — until I learned the many different characteristics of the different types of wool. I dove into research and discovered the unique textures of different sheep breeds, the softness of Merino, the strength of Romney, the bounce of Bluefaced Leicester. Then I found hand-dyed yarns and thought, Could I do that?
I bought undyed yarn and dyes and began experimenting with different fibers and a rainbow of colors. I loved it. That passion turned into Create Yarnworks in 2017. I started selling at fiber and craft festivals, connecting with other fiber lovers. I was in heaven — these were my people!
One of my most memorable moments was walking into Lovelyarns in Hampden to make my first cold call. I nervously showed Melissa, the shop owner, some of my yarns. I was expecting feedback on my colors so far and ideas on how to improve. Instead, she said, “I love it! I’ll take it.” All of it. I left with empty bags and tears in my eyes, thinking, This could actually work! Melissa and I still collaborate today.
A few years ago, I added another passion to my fiber journey — spinning. A friend helped me find the right wheel for me (a Louet that I still use!) and I fell in love all over again. That naturally led to dyeing and selling fiber, too. I now offer custom fiber blends, working with mills to create something unique for my customers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey of life is not a smooth road — it’s full of bumps, detours, and unexpected turns. How we handle those challenges defines who we become.
Like most journeys worth taking, mine has had its fair share of obstacles. One of the greatest challenges has been managing the demands of everyday life, which often take precedence over personal goals. I’ve faced financial struggles — times when I had to juggle multiple jobs just to stay afloat while pursuing something I truly believed in.
There were also setbacks: projects that didn’t work out, rejections that stung, and moments when giving up felt easier than pushing forward. But I wasn’t raised to quit.
Each of these experiences taught me valuable lessons — about persistence, resilience, adaptability, the importance of perseverance, and the strength we draw from our support systems. Those tough times have shaped who I am today and made every success along the way that much more meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Through my business, Create Yarnworks, I offer hand-dyed fibers and yarns in a variety of wools and wool blends. Every skein is dyed by hand in small, custom batches — a process I do entirely myself. My work is deeply rooted in quality, care, and creativity, and I’m proud to offer these unique fibers to local yarn shops, individual customers online, and in person at various fiber festivals throughout the year.
What I’m most proud of is being part of this vibrant, artistic community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how makers transform my yarns into something entirely their own. I often invite my customers to share photos of their finished projects — whether it’s handspun yarn, a knitted sweater, a wet felted shawl, a crocheted scarf, a woven wall hanging, or a needle-felted piece that took home first prize. The creativity they bring to the table is endlessly inspiring.
What sets Create Yarnworks apart is not just the yarn itself, but the personal connection and passion behind every batch. I love being part of the journey — from raw fiber to finished masterpiece — and I’m honored that my work plays a small role in someone else’s creative expression.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Music! It’s always been a huge part of my life. It started with a deep love for 1980s hair bands — loud guitars, big vocals, and even bigger personalities — but over time, my taste has grown to include just about every genre. From classic rock and soul to indie, blues, and even bluegrass, music has become a constant companion.
In the dye studio, there’s always music playing. It sets the tone, helps me get into flow, and adds an energy to the creative process that I just can’t do without. It’s more than background noise — it’s a source of inspiration, motivation, and comfort.
While I don’t rely heavily on traditional productivity apps or blogs, I’d say that music is my most powerful creative tool and wellness resource all in one. It helps me do my best — in work, in art, and in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: createyarnworks.com and etsy.com/shop/createyarnworks
- Instagram: @createyarnworks
- Facebook: @createyarnworks
- Other: https://linktr.ee/createyarnworks
