What is hand-processed wool?

We use the phrase "hand-processed wool" to describe wool processed by hand. This includes all processes upstream from spinning - scouring, picking, carding, or combing - all done by hand and without industrial equipment. We offer a mix of fully hand-processed wool, where we process it entirely in-house, and partially hand-processed wool, where some steps, like scouring, may be completed elsewhere. These terms are intended to help describe exactly how our fiber is processed, and to help customers make informed decisions about their purchases.

What type of fiber do you offer for sale?

Our shop will focus on wool in all forms. We will also feature other animal fibers, such as camelids, or plant fibers, such as cotton and linen. No fibers will be chemically treated and our shop will remain plastic-free.

Variety in wool makes for great exploration, as every spinning experience will be a bit different from the last. At the same time, this may introduce stress for spinners who prefer a bit more predictability! We will always do our best in product listings to describe these wools - color, texture, staple length, and so on - to help guide you. 

To learn more about our fiber, please visit our fiber preparation and fiber characteristics pages.

How often will you have shop updates?

As we continue to process fiber, the shop will grow, sometimes through small, quiet updates and other times with larger themed collections. There is no set cadence or frequency for these updates, which will largely depend on our available time and energy for processing. When larger collections are released, we'll announce them ahead of time and upload previews of all listings before going live. We know shop updates can be stressful, and we'll do our best to help you feel good about your purchases ahead of time! 

How do you price your fiber?

Our pricing reflects the real costs of processing fiber from raw fleece.

We pay fair prices to the shepherds who raise and care for the animals that provide our wool, and we ask a fair, livable wage for the skilled labor that goes into cleaning, processing, and preparing each batch of fiber. Processing fiber, whether entirely by hand or with the help of a local mill, is time-intensive, skilled work that deserves to be compensated accordingly.

Our prices also account for the time and costs of running the shop: photographing and updating listings, packing and shipping orders, maintaining the website, and covering administrative fees that keep the business running smoothly.

At the same time, we believe strongly in accessibility. Fiber arts should be open to everyone. We’re committed to sharing resources for those who want to learn to process their own fiber and to connecting makers directly with our partner shepherds. And where possible, we also offer more accessible fibers that meet our sourcing standards,

A quick note: Because we currently have healthcare coverage through our primary employer, we do not include additional healthcare costs in our pricing. Many small businesses do need to factor in this expense, and we stand in full support of other makers charging fair prices that reflect the cost of providing a livable wage and benefits for themselves and their teams.

Why is there grass in my fiber?

When working with hand-processed fiber, you can expect to see a bit of vegetable matter, or VM, in your wool. These small bits of plant matter are a connection to the sheep who grew our fiber and their diets! Our fiber processing removes a vast majority of VM from the wool, and any remaining bits will be easy enough to pick out as you're spinning, should you want to. 

While a bit of VM is expected, If the fiber has other imperfections that would make for a more challenging spin - smaller pieces of VM, excessive texture, and so on - we will clearly disclose these imperfections in the product listing.

Do you accept returns?

We do not accept returns, so please read item descriptions carefully before purchasing! All product listings will include a detailed description of the fiber and source. We photograph fiber in natural lighting, but colors may differ on your screen. If you have any questions ahead of your purchase, please reach out - we're happy to help! And if something arrives damaged or not as described, please reach out so we can make it right.

Do you ship internationally?

For the time, we can only ship within the United States and Canada. We hope to be able to ship internationally in the future and will share any shipping updates to our newsletter subscribers as we have them.

What else should I know? 

Smoke-free, dog friendly.

We process, pack and ship in a smoke-free, dog-friendly home. Our two dogs, Nina and Bennie, are fiber-curious and do their best to inspect every package going out the door. While we keep our processing space separate from their living space, a stray hair may sneak into your order. Please keep this in mind as you're ordering if you have any dog allergies or sensitivities! 

Shipping speeds.

We will do our best to ship all orders within 3-5 business days, and we will let you know if there are any delays in shipping your order as soon as we learn of them. We are unable to offer expedited processing, so expedited shipping options will only impact your transit speed from the carrier. 

Washing and care instructions.

Anything made with our fiber should be hand-washed in cool water, using a wool detergent or wool-safe alternative. We love Eucalan and Soak, both of which are rinse-free and gentle on wool. While wet, do not agitate your fiber - this is a quick way to felt it! And when drying, press water our rather than wringing your garment to prevent stretching or misshaping the fibers. 

Some machines may offer a delicates or wool cycle. We strongly caution against using these cycles, even if they've proven safe for other items you've washed!