Yarn & Whiskey is an independent textile design studio founded by Tammi Williams. We translate original, narrative-driven textile artwork into functional pieces for creative living—from hand-rolled silk scarves and utility totes to artful craft bags and home accents.
It started with a single hand-knitted scarf at a NYC gathering in the early 2000s. Something clicked. As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I threw myself into the world of fiber arts and textiles, taking full advantage of the Garment District and technical classes across the city, just for fun.
Along the way, collecting fabric became a given. Every place I traveled around the globe, I collected textiles. I wanted to understand how a cloth was made, where it came from, and what energy it carried. When I discovered African prints, it became a passion. Wearing them wasn't just a style choice; it made me feel fierce, rooted, and in full command. Like my favorite auntie when I was growing up. Denise made African prints her uniform and years later, I'd end up doing the same for a time.
That feeling became the foundation of yarn&whiskey.
After many years in Information Technology, I left technology operations behind to fully dedicate myself to the art of textiles. In 2024, I earned my BFA in Textile & Surface Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), accompanied by advanced study at Heriot-Watt University. That training gave me the technical mastery to turn heritage-inspired patterns into original, bespoke textile designs.
What began as handcrafted project bags for serious makers is now expanding into its next chapter, with the introduction of 100% silk twill scarves featuring my original textile designs and finished with a hand rolled hem.
Whether worn as a bold headwrap, draped over the shoulders, tied to a luxury bag, or framed as fine art, each scarf is an invitation to move through the world fully expressed.
Where We’re Headed
yarn&whiskey is actively building toward becoming a premier global lifestyle brand.
By scaling our production capabilities, I am returning focus to where my heart lives: the design studio. This expansion lays the groundwork for bringing back our coveted silk kaftan collections and establishing yarn&whiskey retail outlets—serving the global traveler and maker who demands luxury, culture, and color wherever they land.
We make for those who walk through life to their own soulful soundtrack. The journey is just getting started.
— Tammi Williams, Founder & Creative Director
Photo by Clay Williams Photo © 2026