Meet the Maker

Hi!

My name is Frances, and I’m the owner and maker behind LeFrances Handmade Crafts & Fibre Art. I’m a knitter, crocheter, and indie yarn dyer with a deep love for fibre, handmade goods, and the community that comes with them.

My love for yarn started when I was around nine years old. A sweet lady—who I sadly don’t remember at all—taught me how to crochet while I was staying in a guardian’s home (I know, I know… don’t be sad! I’ve come a long way!).

I didn’t start making “all the things” until 2015, when my coworker was knitting alllll the things and I was completely fascinated. I started crocheting again, and turns out… she didn’t know how to crochet and I didn’t know how to knit (two needles with no hook?! Wut?). Long story short, we taught each other, and I was officially hooked.

Fast forward to 2018, when I was introduced to yarn dyeing through a chance connection in the fibre community. I met a beautiful maker named Katie (@fromthemilkparlor) through a social media event called GetYourYarnWishesGranted. I mentioned that I wanted to learn how to dye yarn, but I had no clue where to start. Katie sent me a few bottles of dye and three mini skeins to practice with—just out of pure kindness. I fell in love with dyeing almost immediately, and that moment really stuck with me. It’s a huge part of why I believe so strongly in makers supporting makers.

When it comes to inspiration, my yarn is heavily influenced by music and movement. I love to dance, and in the early days of my business I started doing little “happy dances” every time someone placed an order (I still do!). My culture is also an important part of my work, and you’ll often see colorways named with nods to African American singers, cuisine, and iconic references—sometimes with a little wordplay, like James Brown or Cotton Candy Sweet as Gold. And while I love playing with a wide range of color, my personal favorites will always be neutrals, earth tones, and floral-inspired shades.

Thank you for stopping by and being here! Don’t be a stranger—come say hi on any of my social media platforms.

With love,
Frances