HAND DYED YARN FAQ
What makes hand dyed yarns so special?
Hand dyed means just that. Because they are done by hand with no machines involved each skein is a unique work of art. No two will be the same even if they are the same colour so there are no dye lots. The subtle to bold variations in colour that you get with hand dyeing can't be achieved any other way. Even the most basic stitch and pattern becomes extraordinary when hand dyed yarn is used.
What can Hand dyed yarns be used for?
The simple answer is anything. Playing around with different stitch combinations will give amazing often unexpected results. This is part of the allure of hand dyed yarn.
However because it's impossible to dye identical skeins we suggest that you work from two balls at the same time, alternating every two rows to minimize colour differences between balls. Also it is a good idea to make sure you purchase enough for your project as there may be noticeable differences in colour if the yarn was dyed in a different batch. That being said why not experiment. Colour blocking and striping are wonderful effects as well.
Note: This may be obvious but for those new to hand dyed yarn most yarns will come in skein or hank form. These will have to be wound into balls before use.
What is a Base?
A base is the yarn or fibres we dye our colours on. Our bases come in different weights (example: worsted, lace, sport, sock). They are also available in different fibres and fibre blends such as Merino, Silk, Alpaca, Cashmere and Blue Faced Leicester.
How do I care for garments made with hand dyed yarn?
We recommend that all garments made from our yarns be washed by hand only. Use a wash agent formulated for hand dyed yarn such as Soak Wash which can be purchased here. Let the garment soak and with a gentle squeezing motion work the soap through it. Rinse in cool water and lay flat to dry. To help with drying roll the wet garment jelly roll style in a clean bath towel pressing down on it gently. Unroll, arrange garment back to it's original shape and let dry completely.
Care has been taken to make sure the colour has been set properly into the yarn. However because of the nature of some pigments (ex. blue, red) there may be some minor bleeding in the first couple washes, so wash separately.
It's a good idea to store your knitwear folded up instead of hanging to better preserve their shape.