Why I Sometimes Use Acrylic Yarn — And Still Call My Work Sustainable

When I started Ruza Fiber Art, I knew I wanted to build something intentional; something that honored handmade craft, celebrated sustainability, and left room for creative exploration.

That’s why I want to talk about something I get asked pretty often:
“Do you use acrylic yarn?”

The answer is: Yes, sometimes. And I’d love to explain why.

Ruza is built on three main values:

Sustainability — Using eco-conscious, long-lasting materials when possible

Intention — Making every piece with care and meaning

Creativity — Letting imagination lead, even if it means bending the “rules”

My ideal materials are natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen—especially when they’re ethically sourced or reclaimed. But in real life, sustainability isn’t always black-and-white. Sometimes, creativity and accessibility call for something different.

There are a few good reasons I occasionally reach for high-quality acrylic yarns:

Vibrant colors that are hard to match in natural fibers

Durability for pieces that will be worn, washed, and loved often

Affordability, both for me as a maker and for you as a customer

When I buy acrylic, I do so mindfully—often sourcing from overstock, secondhand, or local stores like Michael’s. It’s never about cutting corners; it’s about meeting people where they are and making art that’s accessible and long-lasting.

To me, sustainability is about balance between idealism and reality, between the environment and our everyday needs. It's about:

Creating things that last

Using resources responsibly

Being transparent about materials and practices

When you shop at Ruza Fiber Art, you’ll always know what your piece is made from. I’ll clearly list fiber content on every product page so you can make a choice that aligns with your values.

Whether I’m working with hand-dyed wool or soft, durable acrylic, you can trust that each piece is made with care. I’ll continue to experiment, learn, and evolve my practices—because this is a living, growing business. Just like art should be.

Thank you for supporting thoughtful, beautifully imperfect, handmade fiber art. It means more than you know.

Warmly, 

Azur