A knitting business north of Rotorua is helping keep traditional wool crafts alive while showcasing the value of New Zealand fibres.

Aimee van den Eng, who runs a yarn and fibre business in the Rotorua district, is combining a lifelong passion for knitting with modern techniques to grow interest in locally sourced wool.

Raised on a 280ha sheep and beef farm in Waiotira, near Whangārei, Van den Eng said her upbringing shaped both her work ethic and her connection to natural fibres.

“I remember spending my childhood on a horse, helping Dad on the farm, and my brother and I were involved in docking, shearing and lambing from a young age,” Van den Eng said.

The family farm ran Romney/Perendale cross sheep for both meat and wool, and it was there Aimee first learned to knit at age 9, taught by her mother.

“She used to spin her own wool and knit garments in lovely natural colours. Dad and my brother always had 10-ply Arran knit fisherman jerseys.”

Hand-knitted vests show the colourful variety of wools available. Photo / Catherine Fry

That early exposure sparked a lifelong interest. Van den Eng later hand-knitted jerseys for her own children and continues to favour natural, earthy tones.

In 2016, Aimee and her husband Rodney made a lifestyle change, moving to establish their own businesses. While Rodney set up as a heavy diesel mechanic, Van den Eng launched a yarn shop - www.aimeeswoolshed.co.nz - focused on natural fibres.

“I started with natural yarns from Wentworth and progressed to around eight suppliers. Some local knitters supply handmade garments to me.”

Since then, the business has expanded beyond traditional wool products, incorporating a wider range of colours, blends and techniques.

Van den Eng now produces her own hand-dyed yarns, using cream or white wool bases and experimenting with food-grade dyes learned through online tutorials. Her range includes tonally dyed merino and silk blends sold through an online shop.

Aimee van den Eng’s own hand-dyed merino/mulberry silk blend yarns named nostalgically after Rotorua and New Zealand places and nature. Photo / Catherine Fry

“I’ve really leaned into our own backyard, and they are rich earthy colours appropriately named after the beautiful and diverse nature the Rotorua region offers,” she said.

“People don’t buy just yarn, they buy the memory it invokes.”

She has also begun experimenting with botanical dyeing, using ingredients such as avocado pits, flax seeds and kawakawa to create natural colour variations.

The process has also inspired her to stock natural skincare products using New Zealand-sourced ingredients.

Neutral tones can make stunning garments. Photo / Catherine Fry

The yarn range now includes blends of possum, merino, silk, Romney and Corriedale fibres, reflecting growing interest in locally produced materials and sustainable craft practices.

While the business continues to evolve, Van den Eng said sharing knowledge remains a key focus.

“I enjoy sharing my knowledge of yarns and knitting with others, and I especially want to keep the nostalgia of the handknit going.”