At Swans Island Company we believe in the simple beauty of everyday things. We transform the finest natural materials into something exquisite. Pure fibers, time-honored processes, and a commitment to fine craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we do. Fleece from sheep, hands in the dye pot, hands on the loom, hands guiding needle and thread.
“We transform the finest natural materials into something exquisite.”
Fine craftsmanship means a commitment to high quality natural fibers and to dedicated Swans Island artisans whose hands know how to move and to make. Planned obsolescence is not in our vocabulary. Our woven pieces are made to last a lifetime—to be handed down from our customers to their children and to their children’s children. This is an awe-inspiring responsibility that we take seriously.
Rooted in Tradition
What began as a desire by John and Caroline Grace to find a simpler way of life on a tiny island off the coast of Maine has evolved into a business that honors the love of handcraft and timeless design heralded by our founders. Since 1992, we have been making and selling the finest possible textiles and yarns here on the Maine coast. We are proud to carry on the tradition of fine American craftsmanship envisioned by our founders.
“Since 1992, we have been making and selling the finest possible textiles here on the Maine coast.”
Natural Fibers
All Swans Island Company goods begin with natural fibers, sourced to the highest possible standard. Much of our fiber comes from local New England farms—domestic, family-run farms that have been caring for their flocks for generations. Our organic merino, sourced from South America, has been certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard, the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibers.
“Fleece from those farms is custom spun for us by New England mills on trusty vintage machinery.”
Dyed by Hand
Every skein of Swans Island yarn—whether destined for our hand looms, our partner mills, or your knitting needles—is dyed by hand in our Northport dye house. This allows us to create uniquely saturated colorways that can’t be achieved in large-scale dye lots. Some of our yarns are dyed using naturally derived pigments like cochineal, indigo, and madder root. Others are skein-dyed with low-impact dyes to achieve our singular depth of color while also reducing our water and energy usage. We make each dye bath with our own custom recipes, expertly working the fibers in order to achieve our signature rich, variegated tones.
Committed to Craftsmanship
In an era of automation and disposable goods, our Northport studios are unique in their commitment to traditional craft. As they have since 1992, our talented weavers and finishers carefully craft each piece one at a time, imparting their care and passion for handcraft into each piece. In the weaving studio you’ll find vintage AVL looms operated by our skilled weaving team. In the dyehouse large, steaming dye vats hold skeins of yarn being dyed by hand. The precise work of hand-monogramming and blanket repair happens upstairs in the finishing room. It’s not the fastest way to make anything, but it’s honest, and made with a deep respect for process.
“We take the finest materials nature has to offer and transform them into something exquisite—stitch by stitch, piece by piece.”
American-Made
In addition to our own studios, we are proud to collaborate with other domestic mills in the production of our knit apparel and power-loomed blanket lines. Our production partners are experts in their fields—small family-run businesses whose high standards for quality and sustainability match our own.
Power of Place
Our home in Maine is our biggest design inspiration. Clean lines, vibrant hues, and the inherent beauty of raw natural materials form the foundation of all of our work, from our hand-dyed knit wraps to our signature blankets. Swans Island Company goods are an investment in a tradition and a way of life, modern heirlooms designed to be as timeless as the tides.
“Swans Island is handmade for life.”
Timeless Styles for Everyday Living
From the initial design to the final packaging, a lot goes into making each Swans Island product. Every detail has been carefully considered. Simple, timeless styles, not so simply made. That said, our blankets, apparel, pillows and throws are above all else, meant to be used in your everyday life. It’s our hope that when you choose to bring one of our products into your home you’ll use it and for a long time. You are the last link in our supply chain and it’s our intention that you’ll find as much joy in using our products as we did in making them for you.
Bill Laurita, president