About

Hi! I'm Chrystee. I opened Play at Life Fiber Arts on somewhat of a whim in 2009.

I was stay-at-home mom with a degree in Illustration, a newborn, and a very spirited six year old. I was a self-taught knitter on a tight budget so I was "harvesting" yarn from thrift store sweaters, and dyeing it with food-safe dyes. I loved it so much, I had way more yarn than I could use, so I opened an Etsy shop. I was quickly able to move from reclaimed yarn to mill spun yarn, and food-safe dyes to professional acid dyes.

I have tried many dye methods over the years and have found the most satisfaction and fun dyeing coordinating variegated and semisolid colorways. I especially love colorwork and rainbows and often develop colorways and sets with these in mind. Though gradients made up much of my catalog for years, they are very time consuming to dye. I've chosen to take a break from dyeing gradients, but may offer them as a dyed-to-order option in the future.

My family (and the world!) has gone through some rocky times, but I have continued to dye yarn and fiber in the basement of my 100+ year old house in Fall River, MA. My children are adults and I'm now able to focus more on growing my business and traveling to more in-person vending events. Please check my show schedule to see where I am next and I hope to see you in person soon!