Which-Crafts?

It is my understanding that the yarn companies are going through a bit of a renaissance due to the massive increase in the quantity of knitters out there. From what I understand they have increased the both the variety and quality of what is available by a noticeable amount. This is certainly something I can get behind.

OTOH this renaissance (combined with the internet) has also allowed quite a few smaller more artisan spinning and dyeing companies to flourish. Today while contemplating the yarn I might purchase for an upcoming project, I was wondering how purchases of either kind might affect the market and supply.

In general (for me) supporting smaller, more local businesses is a no-brainer. The BNBrands have some v.nice yarn, and I am certainly not implying that I’d never buy from them, but I am wondering how much of an impact the artisan yarn movement has on the BNBrands and what they choose to create and sell.