An introduction to South West Trading Company

“I can remember sitting at the foot of my Nona’s chair for hours. I was a human swift – holding her yarn delicately in the air while she wound it into meticulous balls. She was a perfectionist about her yarn balls and it took forever. But I treasured the time with Nona and I couldn’t wait until I could learn to knit… and my baby sister would become MY personal swift.”

The core philosophy of South West Trading Company is to only handle the finest and rarest products from the highest quality fibers. SOYSILK®, the trademark name for the company’s Soy Fiber, is the foundation. SOYSILK® is made from the proteins in Soy – a renewable resource. The fiber is soft like silk yet warm, like cashmere. It wicks away moisture and has a soft, gentle drape. Interestingly, Henry Ford first thought of the idea of Soy Silk in the 1940s. However, during WW2 the government chose to endorse Rayon and Nylon and it would be decades before Soy fiber came to fruition. Now, this stunning fiber is available from South West Trading Company for spinning, knitting, crochet, and weaving. The company has rich, elegant colors that are designed around collections of variegated yarn paired with complimentary solids, enabling the artist to find yarns that match together for whatever fabulous projects they dream up!

Phoenix and Oasis were the first two yarns in their collection, both 100% SOYSILK®. Phoenix is a ribbon style knitting in a worsted weight while Oasis is a finer Sport Weight Yarn. Phoenix is showcased in a pattern called Southern Swing (photo left). Phoenix and Oasis are available in 16 colors. Also in SOYSILK® is INFINITY, a very fine lace weight yarn available in Natural and White.

BAMBOO, an exciting yarn from 100% Bamboo has also made quite a splash. Treasured for its rich colors and cool, soft hand, Bamboo has become one of the most popular yarns in their line. Now available in 16 colors , South West Trading Company is quick to tease that 5 new colors will be introduced in Bamboo this spring! (Below in Bamboo Sweetheart (L) and Ballerina (R) )

Melody, a popular rayon/ nylon blend in a ladder style yarn and Bamboo are combined in the exciting LOST POINTS STOLE KIT. The pattern is easy – knit on US 8 circular needles and features dramatic points at each end.

The company’s newest yarn CALYPSO debuts in spring and has extraordinary, bright colors making it the perfect companion for bamboo designs or spectacular on its own. Other yarns in their collection include Melody, Optimum and Optimum dk , Diva, and Shimmer.

Other exciting products from SWTC are Rhinestone Zippers in 6 colors and 4 sizes. Added to shirts , sweaters, skirts and ponchos, these jazzy accessories become like jewelry on a knitted garment.

South West Trading Company has continued to search the world for new and exciting fibers and yarns with treasures such as Silk Latte™ which is fiber and yarn made from Milk proteins and Ingeo, made from Corn. These are currently available only in fiber for spinning.

The warehouse for South West Trading Company is always hopping. Jonelle proudly tells that all of the employees bring their children in after school who join Jonelle’s two girls in the dedicated kids room. Craft projects keep them occupied and scooters are often seen whizzing down aisles of yarn eliciting giggles from the kids who delight in being a part of the afternoon chores. “It can be a bit noisy in the afternoon…but none of us would change a thing” Jonette again adds.

 Jonette, also a lifetime knitter proudly summed up her experience -”I come to work and my daughter is here and my grand children are here and my knitting needles are here – why would I ever retire?”

For branding information about our SOYSILK® product, click here!