# Hand-Dyed Winter Accessories Westlake Knits Uses Natural Yarns to Craft Contemporary Fashions By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-12-08 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winter-accessories References: [westlakeknits](http://www.westlakeknits.ca) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/westlakeknits/) Creating winter accessories that are inherently warm, stylish and modern, Westlake Knits is a Toronto-based brand that focuses on fashion that's both versatile and hip. Founded by Kerri Westlake, Westlake Knits has released an array of accessories for men and women that are made by hand using [hand-dyed natural yarns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beams-x-macmahon-knitting-mills) to provide an inherently soft experience, both visually and physically. The designs from Westlake Knits balance the line between being ideal for [cold Canadian winters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadianinspired-winter-boot), yet hip enough to be worn without feeling frumpy. The Canada-based brand offers the winter accessories for sale via its main website as well as through [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dropshop). Moreover, the brand has been involved with a number of local artisan shows including the One of a Kind Show, and is stocked in a variety of prominent fashion boutiques domestically and internationally. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Hand-dyed Yarn:** Opportunity to disrupt the fashion industry by creating unique, visually appealing and eco-friendly hand-dyed yarns for winter accessories. - **Sustainable Fashion:** Opportunity to disrupt the fashion industry by offering contemporary, stylish winter accessories made from natural yarns that are both visually appealing and environmentally friendly. - **Artisan Fashion:** Opportunity to disrupt the fashion industry by showcasing and selling handcrafted winter accessories made by local artisans, providing a unique and personalized shopping experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can benefit from incorporating hand-dyed yarns and sustainable materials, creating a new market for stylish and eco-friendly winter accessories. - **Textile:** The textile industry can explore innovative techniques for hand-dying natural yarns, expanding their product offerings in winter accessories and attracting eco-conscious consumers. - **Crafts:** The crafts industry can tap into the demand for artisanal winter accessories, offering workshops and supplies for individuals to create their own handcrafted pieces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Arty Knitwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arty-knitwear.md) - [Handcrafted Fall Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-solana.md) - [Homeless-Supporting Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toques-from-the-heart.md) - [Curated Cashmere Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noble-cashmere-co.md) - [Collegiate-Style Winter Scarfs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acne-studios-6.md) - [Bespoke Textile-Focused Mittens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linkdesigns.md) - [Luxe Après-Ski Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veronica-beard-apres-ski.md) - [Sustainable Cable Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eloise-wool-sweater.md) - [Versatile Family-Friendly Beanies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laolao.md)