Kelbourne Woolens is for those who love the craft as much as we do

Our Mission

Kelbourne Woolens strives to have yarns that fill a gap – not only within our line, but in the industry overall.
We work directly with manufacturers who share the same core beliefs of high-quality production paired with environmental and social practices that respect and value the planet. Over the years owners Kate and Courtney have stayed connected with all aspects of running the business, from invoicing, customer service, pattern writing, and sample knitting, to social media, graphic design, color development, and website management.

We are forever grateful to our customers who have supported us along the way. Whether you were a friend from Rosie’s Yarn Cellar in Philadelphia back in the day, or are a brand new shop owner, thank you!

Meet the Founders

Kelbourne Woolens was founded in 2008 by Courtney Kelley and Kate Gagnon Osborn. After running a sole distributorship for almost a decade, in 2017 they poured our years of experience into our own line of yarns under the Kelbourne Woolens brand. Kelbourne Woolens' primary focus is creating yarn with accessibility, quality, and functionality. The yarns are meant to be worked with, worn, and enjoyed by all, with as few barriers to entry as possible.

Our Values

As part of our commitment to quality, Kelbourne Woolens only works with manufacturers we have a personal relationship with, and all mills must have a commitment to stellar social and environmental practices. We are dedicated to getting quality products, while ensuring the respect and care our planet deserves.

  • Fair Employers

  • Transparent

  • Women-Owned

  • Fair Wages

    Our warehouse is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. GOTS certification ensures that we maintain a rigorous environmental standard in our warehouse with the products we use every day, and that our employees are treated fairly and earn a competitive and living wage. You can view our GOTS Certificate here. We also support the Fight for Fifteen, and none of our employees – including our student interns – make less than $15 per hour.

  • Giving Back

    Kelbourne Woolens welcomes any and all regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, size, or age. We strive to feature and support a diverse and inclusive range of customers. We have make a conscientious effort to giveback to the community in the way of yarn donations, volunteering, education, and cash donations to organizations that align with our beliefs, such RAICES, CAIR, Brigada Solidaria del Oeste, End the Backlog, Decarcerate PA, ACLU, Black and Missing (BAMFI), and Color of Change.

  • Our Partnerships

    In addition to our own line of Kelbourne Woolens yarns, we distribute yarns and products we stand behind, not just as businesswomen, but as makers ourselves:

    • BC Garn, a GOTS certified organic line of yarns from Denmark.
    • Soak, makers of a natural and biodegradable wool wash and no-starch ironing spray made in North America that comes in fresh, fun scents.
    • Navia, a line of yarns from the Faroe Islands that balances tradition with luxury at an affordable price, with fantastic pattern support.