Monica or Arcena's Paws

Our Featured Maker for May/June is Monica of Arcena’s Paws.

Monica is an indie yarn dyer. She dyes up small, unique batches of yarn in all the colours to create beautiful yarny goodness for those projects you want to make just a little bit special. Also making project bags, stitch markers, and occasionally knitting up cute baby socks.

Monica was asked some questions about why she does what she does and to give us some fun facts - so here’s what we found out.

Monica said, “I love all things yarn, I am addicted to knitting, and occasionally dabble in crochet, and weaving. Also becoming increasingly obsessed with all things fibre. I'm passionate about sustainability and understanding materials used in clothing, and this led to me looking for yarn sources a little closer to home. I quickly fell down the fibre rabbit hole and am still falling! I discovered wonderful indie yarn dyers across Scotland and the UK who inspired me to have a go. The whole process is enthralling, therapeutic, and I am always learning. I love putting colours together that you might not always expect and the results amaze me every time. Most of my yarns are acid dyed, but I also experiment to produce batches of naturally dyed yarn for the super eco friendly. I want to spread the joy of hand-dyed yarn to Paisley, and bring some fabulous fibre fun back to our proud town.”

WI (WHAT IF)  What’s the story behind you doing what you do?

Monica  Arcena's Paws is named after our two sweet cats: Archie and Athena. Pausing to focus on something that helps your mental health is important for everyone, and for me it's knitting. And, of course, our cats have such cute little Paws so I couldn't help myself and play on words. My Mum taught me to knit when I was young and I would knit the odd project every now and then over the years. I only really became obsessed a few years ago when it became a good way to unwind after dealing with stressful situations at work. I now knit every day and my interest in yarn dying grew from never having enough yarn.

WI Do you currently offer or plan to offer any workshops?

Monica I have held a sock knitting workshop before and absolutely loved it. I would love to hold another one in the future. I'd also really love to hold a spindle spinning workshop and even a solar dyeing workshop one day! The idea of sharing these skills and keeping traditions alive means a lot to me.

WI Where else can customers find you?

Monica  I'm on Instagram and Facebook as Arcena's Paws. You can also find me at our monthly Paisley Knit and Knatter (and Crochet Too) fibre craft group - check out the group on Facebook if you fancy popping along to one of our meet ups.

WI  What’s a fun fact about you that we don’t know or customers wouldn’t believe?

Monica   I play rugby for Paisley RFC and was once given an award for being "the Juggernaut" (something my partner still calls me every time I head to the club!

WI  Why do you sell through WHAT IF?

Monica   Catherine and her team of wonderful helpers are some of the most inspiring women I know. Catherine's ethos behind What If and the choice of name is perfect. It's so easy to doubt yourself, and everything that might not work, stop you from following a dream, but sometimes we just have to stop and think... but What If it works? What If something amazing happens? What If is for dreaming, jumping in, and not being afraid to fall (because the amazing What If family will catch you). It's about shopping local, promoting others and sharing good things (both products and skills).

You can see some of Monica’s products in the Maker Window at WHAT IF and more inside.  Why not pop in and have a look.