The Yarns of Rhichard Devrieze is a continuation of a journey into the world of fibre that began 25 years ago, when Rhichard acquired two sheep, as part of his desire to learn to hand-spin. That led to Rhichard starting a small business importing raw fleeces of breeds of sheep not found in North America, making those fleeces available to hand-spinners like himself. Rhichard and his partner, Robert, then acquired a small flock of merino sheep, as they became particularly intrigued with merino yarn. At the same time, Rhichard advanced from hand-spinning to hand-weaving and began to produce one-of-a-kind coats, jackets, scarves, vests and twice-woven rugs which he sold for a time at various arts and crafts shows – winning numerous awards – and at a number of studio tours and art galleries. Working with yarns as much as he was, it was natural for Rhichard to become interested in dyeing yarn, starting with a variety of natural dyes, and then progressing into more creative processes under the guidance of some well-known mentors.
The Yarns of Rhichard Devrieze is a new business venture for Rhichard, starting in the fall of 2012 with an offering of 100% Southern Hemisphere Merino fingering yarn which will be available in an ever-increasing array of solid colours, variegated colours and stipple-dyed colours. In 2013, Rhichard plans to add seven other types of yarns that have excited him, and that he is eager to work with in his dye studio.
Rhichard is already well-known in the yarn trade throughout Canada and the United States, and, while not yet a knitter, his engaging personality and his remarkable ability to remember people and specific details about them, has endeared him to many wholesalers, retailers, knitters, felters, beaders, hookers, sock aficionados and associated industry folk. So make a point of locating him at booth #137 during the Creativ Festival, to marvel at his yarn, and his delightful personality plus.