Why Wool is Perfect for Spring (And Why Your Choices Matter)
Meg (top right) is wearing the Cream Cardi knit by Alicia Plummer knit in Empire Estate.
There’s something hopeful about this time of year, isn’t there? The light lingers a little longer, crocuses start to push through the soil, and we finally pack away the heavy coats—but not the sweaters. Not quite yet.
This is transitional season knitting at its finest. And when I think about the perfect fiber for this in-between time, one answer always rises to the top: wool.
Wool: The Original All-Season Fiber
We tend to think of wool as a winter staple—and yes, it's amazing in January. But spring is where wool quietly shines. Its natural ability to regulate temperature makes it perfect for layering. One minute you’re shivering in the morning mist, the next you’re basking in a patch of afternoon sun—and a good wool sweater handles both beautifully.
Unlike synthetic fibers, wool breathes. It wicks moisture, warms without overheating, and insulates even when damp. It’s the fiber equivalent of being prepared for anything (like your favorite denim jacket, but softer and hand-knit). So whether you're casting on a lightweight pullover or a cozy wrap for breezy spring evenings, wool has your back.
A Shifting Industry, A Time to Choose with Care
You may have already heard: earlier this year, Brooklyn Tweed announced the suspension of their yarn operations. The news hit our fiber community hard—and not just because many of us loved their yarn (myself included).
Behind the scenes, it reflects a deeper challenge in our industry: the closure of small spinning mills across the U.S. These mills are the quiet backbone of our domestic fiber system, and when even one shutters their doors, the ripple effects are real—fewer places to process small-batch wool, fewer sustainable yarn options, and fewer ways to support local fiber farmers.
It’s a moment that’s making many of us pause and consider: Where does our yarn come from? Who makes it possible?
Why Local Yarn Matters—Now More Than Ever
That’s part of why I created my Empire Estate line. This yarn is spun at Battenkill Fibers, a small, woman-owned mill in New York State, using wool sourced from Elly’s Acres Farm in nearby Jamesville, New York. Supporting local farms and mills like Battenkill means we help keep this essential infrastructure alive, so future knitters still have access to beautifully spun, domestically made yarns.
Empire Estate is springy, woolen-spun, and rich with character—the kind of yarn that invites texture and warmth without bulk. (If you’ve been searching for something to fill the Brooklyn Tweed Shelter-shaped hole in your stash… I think you’ll love it.)
Make Something That Lasts
There’s real beauty in creating something by hand, especially when it connects you to a larger story—of farmers, makers, and mills that work together to keep a tradition alive.
So as you plan your spring knitting, consider wool. Not just for its versatility, but for what your stitches support. Every skein of Empire Estate carries that intention—thoughtfully made, deeply rooted, and ready for what comes next.
You can browse the collection [here]. And as always, if you need help choosing the right yarn for your project, I’m just an email away.
