SHOP POLICIES & PRODUCT INFO
This page contains frequently asked questions about handdyed and/or handspun yarns and fibers, as well as shop policies pertaining to shipping and returns. Please contact me personally if you need more info.
1: ORDERS, SHIPPING & RETURNS
As of November 2022, I have removed e-commerce functionality from this site. Please contact me via the form on the Contact page if you are interested in a product that is not available on Etsy or Ravelry. In-stock orders are shipped within two business days in most cases (please be aware that this is a one-person business). I ship both with UPS and USPS Priority Mail flat-rate boxes with tracking and insurance unless you prefer a different shipping method. Products are packaged in plastic bags to prevent moisture damage. Shipping cost is additional and will be added in the shopping cart. Orders will be combined into the smallest number of boxes for cost effecting shipping.
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If you aren't happy with your yarn or fiber, you may return it for a full refund, less return postage. Returns must be in original packaging and in new, unused condition, and must be returned using USPS Priority Mail with tracking and insurance. Pattern downloads are not returnable.
2: COLOR & LIGHT-FASTNESS & CARE
My yarns and fibers are dyed with professional "acid" Lanaset dyes, steam finished and triple-rinsed. Occasionally some colors will bleed during the first couple of washes. This is not unusual, and adding a bit of vinegar to your final rinse will help. All dyes for natural fiber textiles can fade if the finished object is placed in a bright window for an extended period or is harshly laundered. It is best to store your valued handknits in a drawer, rolled or folded, out of direct sunlight. For archival storage, consider rolling in acid-free tissue paper.
I recommend never washing your hand knits in a washing machine, even on the most gentle cycle. Unless a yarn is labeled "superwash", it will felt/shrink. Please wash your knits in a smooth sink or plastic washtub, using gently warm or cool water and a small amount of wool wash product. Do not rub or agitate wools. Let them soak for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Lay the item flat to dry, patting into shape, or blocking using pins. Socks can be hung to dry.
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4: ABOUT SINGLE PLY YARNS
Most commercially produced yarns are multi-plied. That means that there are 2, 3 or more strands twisted together at the mill. Multi ply yarns can be especially durable, and are very appropriate for high-wear uses, like socks and children's sweaters, particularly when blended with fibers such as nylon or acrylic. Many commercial yarns can be machine washed, if labeled as such.
I specialize in handspun and handdyed natural animal-fiber single ply yarns — wool, silk, alpaca, mohair, angora and more. These are wonderfully soft, with excellent drape and are best used in knitwear such as shawls, cowls, scarves and items that are not worn daily, subject to abrasion, and/or laundered on a regular (ie, weekly) basis. They tend to be slightly more delicate than multi-ply yarns, though this also depends on the type of fiber, length of fiber staple, and tightness or looseness of the spinning. In general, I would recommend that they be used for adult garments, or for infant's hats. The more tightly spun a single ply yarn, the greater the tendency for biasing when a knit is stockinette based. Most of my handspun yarn will not bias, unless otherwise noted in the description.
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4: FREE STUFF!
FREE, and while supplies last, I will send you a printed pattern with your order, if requested at the time of ordering (not shipped separately). These are commercial patterns left-over from when I had my yarn shop. You can select from baby/toddler/adult sweater/accessory/sock/shawl/lace categories and I will do my best to accomodate your preferences, though supplies are very limited and subject to prior "sale". Random selection from Louet, Heartstrings, Plymouth and other designers. Please send a note when ordering, specifying your first and second choice categories.
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