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The newest Quill & Quiver yarn collection, The Glass Floats Story Collection, is inspired by traditional fishing net floats made of recycled glass. Hailing from Norway, Japan and later the U.S., glass floats are highly sought after by beachcombers and antique collectors alike due to their vibrant colors and unusual story. Read the full story on our blog.

Glass fishing floats were first commercially manufactured in Norway in the mid 19th century and were widely utilized to support fishing nets for the prolific stockfish fishing industry in the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway. Prior to the invention of the glass float, fishing nets were supported by wood or cork buoys, which would eventually become waterlogged and sink. In Japan, the floats are called ukidama which translates to “floating ball.” The Japanese started manufacturing glass floats around 1910 and many dislodged floats have been found along the Pacific Rim, including on the west coast of the United States and Alaska, after a long voyage across the Pacific Ocean. American companies began manufacturing glass fishing floats in the 1930s and 1940s, during a time when the U.S. was looking for alternative sources for many European and Japanese manufactured goods before and during World War II. Collectors look for variations in shape, color, and seal marks, all of which reveal clues about the age and origin of these unique objects.

Shop the collection here.

We have story collections (mini skeins) in sport and worsted bases, as well as full-size skeins in both bases. If the colorway you’d like is out of stock, you can submit a custom order here.

At Quill & Quiver Fiber, we believe in the power of color to inspire, and the importance of story, craft, and history to connect us to each other. Quill & Quiver Fiber Story Collections are our limited edition mini skein sets that tell stories associated with traditional crafts and the people keeping these heritage skills alive. Each collection includes four coordinating mini skeins of Quill & Quiver Fiber’s limited edition yarns hand-dyed in our barn studio in the Champlain Valley of Vermont. Our new collection is called The Glass Floats Story Collection, and is inspired by traditional fishing net floats made of recycled glass. Learn more by reading the full story behind the collection here.

Each Story Collection includes four approximately 25g mini skeins available in two weights: worsted weight 100% Superwash U.S. milled wool, or sport weight 100% organic Merino wool.

The collection goes live on our web shop on Wednesday, May 1st at 9am PST/Noon EST. Learn more about the individual colorways and order here (please note: products will show as “sold out” until the shop update goes live on May 1st).