Behind the scenes: Natalia

In our ‘Behind the Scenes’ feature, we introduce you to Natalia, part of the team behind our colors. She works at the mill and is one of our best dyers. Every day, she turns undyed skeins into the beautiful yarn that you buy at your LYS. In the following interview she tells us about her experience at malabrigo.

How long have you worked for Malabrigo Yarn?

I started working here 13 years ago. At first I only worked on Saturdays, then I began working fifteen days on and fifteen days off. It wasn’t until three years ago that I changed my routine and started working Monday to Friday every month.

What are you tasks and responsibilities?

I mainly work with the actual dyeing of the yarn. I begin by weighing out the powdered dyes in time to start the dyeing process but my main responsibility is to give color to the yarns.

What is a typical day of work like for you?

Once I arrive I change into my uniform and go to my section. There, I fill up the pots we later use for dyeing with hot water. While the water gets to the right temperature I start tying up the amount of skein that are going to be dyed. The dye process is as follows: I reach a pH balance with the dyes in the hot water and then put in the yarn.

Which of your tasks do you enjoy the most?

I really like to see how each of the new color tests turn out.

Which colors are in the most demand right now?

I work the most with colors like Sunset, Frank Ochre, Aniversario, and many more.

And which yarns are in the most demand?

Right now I’m seeing a lot of Washted, Caracol, and Rasta. Washted because it’s new and the thicker yarns are in fashion due to winter I imagine.

Which is your favourite Malabrigo yarn and colourway?

My favorite color is Whale’s Road and the yarn I like most is the new Washted.

Do you knit?

I do not, no. Although I love the colors and feel of the yarn I have never been very interested in knitting.

And finally, do you know any funny anecdotes about your time with Malabrigo Yarn?

Before we had the large drying rooms we used to hang the skeins to dry in the Uruguayan sun outside on the terrace. I remember having to rush outside to catch a rogue skein trying to fly away or when the weather took a bad turn and we’d have to bring them all inside before the rain got to them!