Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Lewis.
Hi Jamie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I learned to knit over 20 years ago. That evolved into starting my own hand dyed yarn business, that has allowed me to travel around the country, vending at various yarn and fiber festivals. At these festivals, I’ve met so many fellow makers who enjoy the fiber arts (knit, crochet, weaving, spinning, etc.). I have really seen what makes a good festival, both from the perspective of a vendor and a shopper. I’ve wanted to plan the yarn festival of my dreams for several years. Last year, over a bottle of wine on a knitting getaway with some girlfriends, the dream moved from my brain to paper and the rest is history! In May 2026, I hosted the inaugural Fresh Coast Fiber Festival in Traverse City. Leaning into the “Pure Michigan” ad campaign that highlights the beauty of Michigan, I create a yarn festival built around the ideal “Up North” Michigan summer vacation vibe. Now that the inaugural festival is in the books (it was at the end of May) I am turning my attention to next year’s festival, building upon the success and buzz that was this year’s kick-off!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been mostly smooth, thankfully! Professionally I have a strong administrative background, which has helped keep me organized (hello Microsoft Excel!) and on target. Building the event website was probably one of the most challenging projects, but that now comes second nature to me. The support of the knitting and crochet community, festival attendees, and the 60+ vendors who made the inaugural festival such a huge success, all helped to confirm that in planning the Fresh Coast Fiber Festival, I was creating a meaningful space for crafters to connect.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right off Woodward Ave. (M-1) in Royal Oak, I hand-dye luxury yarns (merino, mohair, alpaca, yak, and more!) for the discerning knitter/crocheter. M1 Yarns is a nod to the world’s first paved highway (Woodward Ave. or Michigan Highway 1, aka M-1). In knitting terminology, “M1” means to “make one” or to increase your stitch count by one. I aim to dye beautiful yarns that will “pave” the way to a new favorite project for fiber artists, as I want them to “make one” (or to increase their yarn joy!) with my yarns.
I am known for super saturated colorways in my skeins of yarn. Deep jewel tones and bright, whimsical colors make a knit or crochet project a true piece of art. I am also known my YouTube podcast, M1 Yarns and the Michigan Makers, which supports my yarn business by sharing what’s new and exciting, but I also use that platform to share with the craft community what I’m making, in a casual manner that hopefully inspires others in their crafting journey.
I am most proud of the fiber festival I founded and planned, the Fresh Coast Fiber Festival. I put to use the 7 years I’ve been in business as a yarn dyer, along with my professional background in administration, and created something that would be the event of my dreams (both from my experience as a vendor and also an attendee). I offer kits, skeins, and plant-based wool wash on my website: M1Yarns.com. Readers can learn more about the festival at FreshCoastFiberFestival.com
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
M1 Yarns will be vending at the Ann Arbor Fiber Expo Oct. 3-4, and the Northern Michigan Fiber Festival Sept. 26-27.
Next year’s Fresh Coast Fiber Festival will take place in Traverse City, Michigan May 22-23 with a kick-off party May 21 (soon to be announced).
Contact Info:
- Website: m1yarns.com and https://www.freshcoastfiberfestival.com/
- Instagram: @m1yarns and @freshcoastfiberfest
- Facebook: @m1yarns and @freshcoastfiberfest
- Youtube: outube.com/m1yarns
