Our Minnesota Queen of Color...Susie!

Meet Susie of Fiber MacGyver!

When I reached out to Susie last Spring of to be part of our 2025 Winter Maker's Box it felt like winter was never going to arrive again...but before we knew it, the day was upon us to share her gorgeous yarn in the Maker's Box!

I was just tickled when Susie said she was up being featured in the Winter Box. We are both Minnesota gals who's paths have crossed in the night for years...and to this day we have yet to have that face to face meet...but I promise you it's going to happen very soon! She is a lady on the go - her and Madge on the road to their next yarnie adventure or hard at work in her studio creating absolute magic!

So let's meet Susie and hear more about her story!

1. Would you share how you got started dyeing yarn? 

I started seriously dying yarn early in the COVID pandemic. It was before the vaccine was available and the world had come to an abrupt halt. My sister, Lynn, was in a coma and she wasn’t expected to survive. I was so anxious I couldn’t even knit, which had never happened to me before! Learning to dye yarn saved me during that horrible time and I fell in love with it. My sister survived and is one of Fiber MacGyver’s biggest fans. 💕

2. How did you learn to dye yarn?

I did what most obsessed people do. I devoured every bit of information I could on it and spent hours upon hours experimenting. It’s still how I hone my craft and I’m so grateful fiber artists buy my yarn so I can keep experimenting and evolving.

3. Where do you find your inspiration for your color ways? 

Sometimes I find inspiration while traveling or experiencing something amazing. Other times it’s as simple as the color is floating around in my head and needs to come out. If I could communicate with color vs. speaking actual words, I think my brain would be less taxed. 😂

4. And how do you name them?

Naming color ways is often the hardest part for me. Sometimes the colorway name requires research and more thought other times it comes to me immediately. And sometimes I call a trusted friend and ask for their perspective.

5. Would you share a bit about the bases used you offer? And do you have a favorite?

My bases are chosen after an extensive audition period. I only carry ethically sourced yarn/fiber that I truly love and want to work with and wear on a regular basis.

6. What inspired the name behind your brand?

The name derived out of my love of the show (growing up in the eighties) and I have a “problem-solving” way of approaching things. My Mom and sisters are also problem-solvers and crafty, I just happen to be the one focused on fiber. :-)

7. What fun plans or collections can you share with us for what’s in store in 2025?

This year I’m vending more events around the county with my camper, Madge, and I plan to do a few collections for the first time. It’s going to be a busy year!

8. When dyeing yarn, do you like it quiet, or must you always have noise? If the latter, what’s your preference? 

I usually like it quiet or I listen to an audio book.

9. Do you Knit or Crochet?

Knit. I really want to get better at crochet! I love granny squares so much. I would like my whole life covered in them.

10. What are you favorite types of projects?

I gravitate towards color work projects because it satisfies my need for color play.

11. How do you choose your colors to keep a broad palette range? Do you ever go for brights or pastels?

This process for me is completely on instinct and probably would be considered very chaotic to someone on the outside looking in. 😂 Usually 14-16 colors come to me and then I fill in the blanks as needed.

Ok…a just a few more questions…

1. Favorite band? I don’t have one! Weird, I know. I do love music but it’s usually when someone else thinks to turn it on.

2. Favorite movie? Just one? 😂 Wonder Woman (first one), Gladiator, Brave Heart, Captain Marvel, X-men (first one), The Incredibles, Princess Bride, Step Brothers, This is 40, Bridesmaids.

3. What’s the last book you read and would you recommend it? The Remnant Chronicles, yes!

4. If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Hydrokinesis (ability to harness water).

Be sure to follow Susie on Instagram and check out her gorgeous selection of yarn available from her shop too!

Stay tuned for more features on designers and dyers coming soon!

Cheers & Stitches,

Crystal

✨ Interested in learning more about the Factory Girl Maker's Box? Below is a photo showing the four inspiration images for the 2025 Desert Blooms themed Maker's Box. Each season has limited availability so check it out and sign up! ✨