I’ve been knitting and crocheting for about nine months now, and in that time, I've developed a discriminating eye for well-made fibers. I know that nine months isn’t very long, but I have great taste and know it, which is why I nearly fell out of my chair when I came across Dude Yarn on Etsy.

Started recently by Baltimorean Kel Millionie, Dude Yarn offers hand-dyed, high-quality yarns in "dude-friendly" colors and textures for those of us who prefer to make more masculine fashions. With colors like cobalt blue, firefox red, Sedona brown and "dirty sox" (kind of a muted ochre), Kel has created a palette that is both vibrant and earthy; one that makes me want to be a dude -- seriously.

I caught up with Kel, who graciously took some time (and some gorgeous photographs) for this week’s Featured Crafter series. Enjoy!

Tell us a little about you and your background as a crafter.
"My name is Kel Millionie and I'm a resident of downtown Baltimore. I have an extensive background in theatrical production and design, and fell into knitting when I needed hats for a play in a specific color I could not find in any thrift store. I taught myself to knit via YouTube videos and do-it-yourself books, and after realizing that I really enjoyed knitting, I've taken it on head-strong and have been knitting for about three years."

How did you come up with the concept for Dude Yarn?
"I recently took up dying in my attempts to create colors that I myself can wear. I started my line of yarn, Dude Yarn, this season, with hopes to offer dude-friendly colors and textures to people knitting for guys, and guys who knit for themselves. As a person not a fan of the everlasting acrylic "fiber" or pastel palettes, the fiber I dye is natural 100 percent wool, and is dyed naturally using earth-friendly techniques in bold masculine colors."

What is your process like?
"I dye in my kitchen at home, in large pots and small batches. I dye small bits a time and try out new elements and processes. I really love finding out that things like onion skins and crimson bark can produce strikingly bold colors."

What inspires or informs your work?
"I'm really inspired by old vintage sweater colors and patterns, especially the Irish Tweeds, and the thick sweaters of Polperro. I find inspiration in everyday life and really enjoy mimicking colors from obscure sources (rusted truck, #2, and go-Ravens purple)."

(Images courtesy of Kel Millionie)