Coat of Many Colors

This yarn is a pre-order, available for purchase for the weekend of Dolly Day (9/25). Pre-orders close 9/28/26 at 11:30AM. 

Dolly Parton was as close to an American saint as there’s possibly ever been, so we knew when she passed that September’s yarn for Chester's Skein Society had to be an ode to her and her generosity. This color way is inspired by the story of her Coat of Many Colors, and a portion of proceeds goes to Dolly's Imagination Library. 

Born in 1946, Dolly Parton was born in a small one room cabin in Locust Ridge, TN. The doctor was paid for her birth with a sack of cornmeal. As a small child, Dolly was captivated by her mother's singing and started writing and singing her own songs at a young age. By the age of 10, she was performing regularly on the Cas Walker shower, and by 19, she was introduced to the stage at the Grand Ole Opry by Johnny Cash. She quickly captured the heart of the nation, and though her rise to stardom was swift, she didn't let that sweep her away from the resiliency, authenticity, and empathy her humble beginnings imbued her with. 

The “Coat of Many Colors” is based on a story from her youth that describes the tender care provided by her mother that we later see in Dolly Parton's altruistic ventures that have uplifted so many. One year, when her family was unable to afford a new winter coat to fit Dolly, her mother stitched her a patchwork one from a bin of corduroy scraps provided by a neighbor. She sat by her mother as she worked, listening to the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. When Dolly went to school, excited to share her treasure with her schoolmates, she faced the unfortunate reality that not all hearts were as tender as hers. She was bullied for her rags, and even locked in a closet. Thankfully, the resilience she possessed is how we ended up with such a beautiful reminder that wealth is measured in love and community, not dollars. 

Dolly Parton is an inspiration to keep your heart soft and your head strong. And, no matter how small, an act of kindness is always worth it. 

Dolly was, and will always be, a tough act to follow.

Please note that yarn colors may vary per base as each type of fiber dyes differently. You can learn more on our Yarn Base FAQ page.

BASES:

Golden Goose (Fingering): 100g, 427 yards, blend of 92% extra fine super wash merino/8% gold lurex
Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylon
Minnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool 
Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpaca
Chubby Trevor: 115g, 136 yards, 100% superwash merino
Chunky Trevor: 150g, 82 yards, 100% superwash merino, single ply
Gladys Fiber: 80% Shaniko Wool/20% Tussah Silk, approximately 4oz braid of fiber for spinning, felting, etc