About Me

Hi, my name is Kat I'm the maker behind everything you'll find here, and I'm so glad you've stopped by. It's so hard for indie makers to get discovered nowadays. 

Behind the name

As a full-time wheelchair user who also spins yarn on a wooden spinning wheel, Kat With Wheels was the obvious choice.

My Story

From the age of two, I showed an interest in fibre arts. It was when my mother caught me playing alone that she saw me holding two hairbrushes, brushing a cotton ball between them. I was mimicking an episode of Come Outside (specifically S2.E8 A Woolly Jumper)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41jx0Ljy23A

For most of my childhood, I only knew how to knit and crochet at a very basic level. When I became homeless, I needed something to distract myself and keep me sane and eventually I taught myself to crochet. One Christmas, I was gifted a drop spindle and I couldnt put it down! It immediately became a deep interest and I started learning more about fibres such as merino, corriedale, bamboo, hemp etc. 

Eventually, I bought my first spinning wheel, a Vintage Ashford Traditional (pictured below) . This is when I knew, this is for me. This is my thing. This is when my mother told me about how she caught me carding at the age of 2 years old. I began to develop my spinning techniques and experiment with different fibres and tools. 

Unfonately my body sometimes decides it wants to make things harder for me that they normally would be due to some of my physical health conditions. This meant I needed to find a double treadle wheel in order to help with pain I experienced whilst spinning. After much deliberation, research and saving every penny and selling what I could, I managed to save up for a Kromski Fantasia (pictured below), which I find much easier to use. This is what I make all my products with!

What Makes My Yarn Special

Every skein is truly one of a kind. Because I spin each order individually by hand, no two skeins are exactly alike. Each has its own character, texture, and story, which mass-made manufactured yarn you usually find in large craft stores lacks.

I work with carefully selected fibres to create unique yarn to make any project just that little bit more special. Handmade items possess a unique beauty and charm, surpassing basic yarn.

They spark conversations and make for heartfelt gifts. Perfect for those who enjoy knitting, crocheting, or weaving.

The Process

Handspinning is a slow, intentional craft. I take my time with each skein, ensuring I make it to the highest quality I possibly can. Every single step is done by hand with attention and care. This includes fibre preparation, blending, spinning, and even writing the tags, it is all done by hand by me. 

Why I Do This

TDLR; it makes me happy!
Making something which is going to be transformed yet again into a cherished handmade item, whether that be knitted, crocheted or woven, is just something so special and human. Hand spinning yarn is a labour-intensive process, but it makes me happy knowing my passion is going to a good home and will (hopefully!) make someone else smile. 

Thank you for supporting handmade and choosing truly artisanal yarn. To many, handspun yarn is considered 'the best of the best'!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a custom order, please don't hesitate to get in touch,
Kat