About Us History The company was founded in the late 70’s in California as Yarn Loft International importing primarily serger threads. 1980s In the early 80’s the company moved to Provo, Utah and became a pioneer in silk ribbon embroidery and a leader in ribbons and books. During this time, YLI’s reputation grew as a supplier of top quality products to the needlework and serger markets. 1990s Another move in 1996, this time to Rock Hill, South Carolina, saw the company enter the booming quilting market. It was an innovative period with new threads constantly added to the company’s expanding product line. During the late 90’s, YLI began marketing its high quality, niche products solely to independent retailers. The company sourced many of its new products in the U.S. while maintaining strong ties to Japan for specialty products. 2000s In 2001, YLI purchased its largest U.S. supplier. Five years later, YLI moved to a renovated textile mill in Rock Hill, tripling its manufacturing and warehouse space. This key move allowed YLI to prepare for the next step in the company’s growth. Today YLI’s 100% long staple cotton products are purchased from Egypt, dyed in North Carolina, Georgia or Japan and then finished, wound and packaged in South Carolina. Hand Quilting thread has an additional step of starch glazing in Massachusetts. Today YLI is one of the last companies producing our consumer cotton threads in the U.S. Tours We enjoy giving tours of our Rock Hill facility. If you’re interested in seeing the innovative YLI threads being made, please contact at (800) 296-8139 or email Jane Garrison jgarrison@ylicorp.com for details. We look forward to meeting you. Get to know us Jim Miller, President With more than three decades of textile experience, Jim Miller leads YLI. He has worked with weaving companies Springs and JPS Textile as well as thread manufacturer, A&E. Jim and his partner, Lanny Smith, purchased YLI from Esther and Dan Randall in 1996 and relocated the organization to South Carolina. When Lanny retired in 2005, Jim became the sole owner. “I’m very proud that we wind and, in some cases, wind and dye our products in the United States. I believe we create more content in the U.S. than any of our competitors.” Jane Garrison, Director of Education Jane’s Mom discovered how to keep her energetic child quiet and productive. She first taught Jane how to use scissors, then needles, thread and fabric. Sewing machine instructions followed and Jane’s passion was born. After several interesting and challenging jobs, Jane purchased a needlework shop and turned her passion into a business. She’s taught knitting, sewing, tatting, embroidery, smocking and nearly everything else using a needle. While being an entrepreneur, mother of two and grandmother of two, Jane found time to work toward a textile design degree and serve as the National Events Manager for Bernina of America. "Jane joined YLI in 2005 as Director of Education."