Yarnworker is turning eight. This blog post summed up why I wrapped my weaving enthusiasm around the name Yarnworker. While I didn’t know what specific form this space would take when I started Yarnworker.com, I did know that I wanted a place to express my love of working with yarn within the weaververse as it relates to the rigid-heddle loom and the stories that surround it. My work has always been grounded in our base material, yarn and fiber, so Yarnworker felt right and gave me some room to grow.
The Rosie-inspired logo shares a certain vibe I fully embrace—independence, can-do attitude, and not accepting boundaries. However, this logo doesn’t really say anything about what Yarnworker specifically is. The subtle nod of the iconic slots and holes in the background gets a little lost and is hard to translate in some mediums.
I have a better idea of what Yarnworker is—project-based, rigid-heddle loom-centric experiences. I also ponder our very robust conversation around race, diversity, and inclusion in the yarn space and beyond. I came to the personal conclusion that this original mark has some inclusivity issues. I was thinking about the ways emojis need to evolve to embrace a wider range of experiences as I re-examined my brand. And, although I was already on this path, becoming the producer of the Swatch Maker Looms means I need a simpler logo to etch on the looms. These forces, along with Yarnworker’s eighth anniversary, caused me to think about how I make my mark.
Evolution
While still Yarnworker, this new logo speaks more specifically to the Yarnworker experience. We celebrate all that is the rigid-heddle loom by weaving things, learning things, celebrating those things, then repeating the process. This simpler mark includes the stick shuttle, an iconic tool of the rigid-heddle weaver, who uses straightforward tools to make extraordinary things. I hope through the work, I still express that Rosie can-do attitude. Yarnworker is ever-evolving and I’m honored to share your enthusiasm for this powerful loom.
I’ll be rolling out the new logo across the Yarnworker weaververse over the next month. Change is constant, but my love of the loom remains.
Heddles Up!
Liz
I really liked your original logo image. I’m sorry that you had to change it.
I loved it, too.
It makes me really happy that folks have a fondness for the original logo. Choosing change is a good thing.
I love the shuttle in the “k”!
Ha! I missed that at first. You’re right… it’s perfect. A great touch.
Loved the old logo, but like your new one even more, Especially like your care for inclusivity. Thanks for explaining. ❤️
Still love the old as well, though I understand the new is more inclusive.
simple & a great new logo; love how you incorporated the stick shuttle!
As soon as I saw your new logo, I really liked it.
When I first stumbled on to Yarnworker a bunch of years ago, I had no idea what it was. My brain first went to knitting, then crochet and when I opened your page I saw that it was for weaving. I wasn’t weaving back then, but as soon as I was given my first rigid heddle loom I new exactly where to go 🙂
Your new logo says it all, and I think it is great!
That was the core of my evolutionary thinking. What is this thing that is Yarnworker? Now we both know!
Loved Rosie, but your new logo is also nice. Love the subtle stick,shuttle in the “k”.
My journey as a weaver is still young and I know just where to turn for help. I applaud your creative and conscious use of inclusivity and the shuttle. Thank you!
Speaking from a “Boomer” perspective, I remember the first time I saw the old logo, I marveled at its cleverness and how it “hooked” me into exploring your site further. Do younger weavers get the connection? Probably not, but it is a brilliant design that really grabbed me from the first, So sad to see it go!
I pondered what a yarn worker was based on the logo. I understood its play on the old Rosie image but weaving was not the first thing that came to mind.
I like the new logo for it’s simplicity and the fact that you’ve better defined that a yarnworker is “centered” around “weaving”. Well done.
Logos grow and evolve as the concept they represent changes. Both the old and new embody aspects of your focus. As long as they are a visual cue representing you and your offerings, they have accomplished their purpose. They do and think both have worked in their space and time.
So well said!
I’m a new “yarnworker”. I always wanted to learn to weave, but thought I had to have access to a floor loom and someone to teach me, both of which I couldn’t find. Then I ran across YouTube videos showing weaving on a rigid heddle loom and suddenly it seemed possible. I ordered my rigid heddle loom. Next, I found the Yarnworker School. So now I’m working on the Fiestaware towels, my second ever project and I’m thrilled to have this resource. I love both the logos because they represent the opportunity the school has given me.
Love both logos and all of the comments. I liked Rosie, but the new one is fresh and clean. Love the shuttle.
Best,
Although I loved the old logo, I understand the reasons for change and agree with you. I really like the new one. It’s clean and modern, and I love the shuttle. The Rosie the Riveter vibe will be lost on many in any event, Good for you.
I’m terrible. I just realized I don’t pay enough attention to logos. It makes it worse because, as a small business owner (soap making business) I know the anguish and time that goes into logo design. How could I not have really noticed. Looking at them both now, I agree with everyone. I like both logo. The Rosie logo emphasizes your love of yarn while the new one really brings in weaving. Thanks for all you do.
I really like the new logo…and it´s so funny that we had a very similar idea at the same time – oceans apart 🙂
But also – I really liked the old logo, too! 😉
Best wishes, Bianca
Weavers think alike!