Question 1

Hand-Dyed, Small Batch, and Lot Size

Accepted Answer

All the yarns and fiber are done by hand and without the use of automatic machinery. 
Hand-Dyed - This means exactly what it implies; every piece is lovingly done by hand in my studio.
Small Batch - The pans and pots used only allow for a small amount of yarn or fiber to fit in each. This means that there will be some degree of variance  in tone and saturation, even between items within the same dye pot.
Lot Size - Lots are grouped according to when they were dyed, not just what pan they were in. Thus, items from the same lot number could have been dyed in different pans, but were dyed at the same time. The colors applied are mixed at once, so even being in separate pans there will be as much uniformity as possible within the same lot grouping.

Question 2

Superwash

Accepted Answer

Superwash is a term used to identify yarn that has undergone a special treatment to minimize felting under most circumstances.

SOL and LUNA are superwash yarns, so could be machine washed on a gentle cycle if necessary. Machine washing and drying may still result in some shrinking and faded colors.

Do not use a machine to wash/dry AQUA or TERRA yarns.

Question 3

Yarn Weight

Accepted Answer

Yarn Weight refers to how thick or thin a yarn is. Most of my yarns are available in either Fingering (thin or "1") or Worsted (medium or "4") weight. SOL is offered in DK (light medium or "3") instead of Worsted.

All skeins are 100g (3.5oz), so Fingering ("1") weight yarns have more yardage than DK ("3") or Worsted ("4"), as shown on the comparison chart.

Question 4

Needle / Hook size?

Accepted Answer

These are the recommended tool sizes for knitting or crochet to achieve a 'standard' fabric gauge. Smaller or larger hook / needles will result in a tighter or looser fabric with less or more drape, depending on the stitches used. Patterns will suggest a specific size, as well as the weight of yarn called for to create a particular project.

Question 5

Micron and Staple Length

Accepted Answer

Micron is a measure of the fineness of a fiber, and staple is the average length.

Shorter micron typically means 'softer/smoother' whereas a longer staple can be considered easier to spin.

If you are just beginning spinning, I would recommend my Falkland + Corriedale blend as a great place to start!

Question 6

Fiber Preparation: Combed Top vs Carded Batt

Accepted Answer

Different fiber preparation methods mean the wool is better prepared for certain purposes...
Combed Top - Most of my fiber is prepared as a combed top. This preparation means the fiber has been cleaned of vegetable matter and excess dirt and oils, then combed into alignment so the individual fibers follow the same direction. Shorter fibers are also removed so staple length is more consistent. The 'top' looks like a long tube of fiber.
Spinning with this fiber can generally make a smoother, more dense yarn because the fiber is uniformly parallel. 
Carded Batt - Some of my custom blended colors are offered as a carded batt. Carding involves running the fiber through an array of metal pins to align the fiber. However, it isn't aligned as uniformly as the combing process, so there will be more variance in fiber direction and staple length. Rather than a tube of fiber, this will be more like a thick blanket. 
Spinning from a 'batt' will make it easier to create an airy, 'fuzzy,' less dense yarn because the fibers may not be parallel to each other.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions