HI, I'M LOU.
Welcome to Old Rusted Chair!
Let’s make the yarny magic happen.
I’m Lou, and I’m so glad you’re here!
I empower makers to create lasting, one-of-a-kind pieces through vivid hand-dyed yarns.
All of the yarns you’ll find here are hand dyed by me in my home studio, along with the help of my husband, Jonathan, and the careful supervision of Hose Cat and Kristin—two formerly feral kitties who now live in the lap of indoor luxury.
I’m all about crafting yarn—and a small business—with intentionality.
As a creative, I know you care deeply about supporting businesses with values that reflect your own. My hope is that Old Rusted Chair can be one of those spaces for you.
Yarn bases are sourced from suppliers who do not practice mulesing. The packaging I ship your yarn goodies in consists of 100% recycled content made in the USA. These bags can then be reused or recycled.
I meld my mission for making eye-catching colorways with my advocacy work as a clinic escort for Planned Parenthood. In addition to my weekly volunteer shifts, $20 of every Rebel Girl skein sold is donated to Planned Parenthood of TN and Northern MS.
Yarn and I go way, way back.
I picked up my first set of knitting needles in 2007 and became hooked. When I couldn’t find the perfect purple for a project, I set to work hand dyeing my own. This serendipitous dip into the world of dye led me to leave my job as an accountant for a career in color.
Since 2016, I’ve been bringing this hand-dyed yarny goodness to color-loving creatives and mission-minded makers.
Why not pull up a chair and stay awhile?
Find a skein that speaks to you:
What’s in a name: The Story Behind Old Rusted Chair
Old Rusted Chair… what does that have to do with yarn?
Throw it back to the age of AOL Instant Messenger and dial-up internet, where Old Rusted Chair came into being as my username. When it was time to brand my yarn business, I took inspiration from my younger self.
After all, there’s an air of mystery behind the idea of an old rusted chair:
Can it be cleaned up and refurbished? Can it be turned into something else? Is it decoration? Is it something to let go of, knowing it served its purpose?
It’s this same questioning and curiosity that leads any maker to explore, experiment, and create a lasting piece of art.
Let’s create with curiosity:
Meet the Studio Supervisors
Hose Cat & Kristin
Born under a neighbor's porch, these two warmed our hearts as kittens who would visit us for food. After almost two years outside they finally realized indoor life is the way to go. They take their studio supervisor roles very seriously—through copious napping, of course.
Hose Cat has a lot personality and is a more frequent visitor to his supervisor gig. He's quick to point out that he's the real star of the show.
Kristin prefers the quiet of the back office. Napping and keeping a watchful eye on the operations are her two main responsibilities.
Shop Hose Cat and Kristin-approved yarns: