FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

I really want a sold out colorway/I want more of a colorway than is available/I want a particular colorway on a particular base but that combo is not in stock!

You want to use my Dye to Order Listings! Anytime there is anything you want that you can't find it stock, just select the Dye to Order listing and you can choose the exact colorway/base/quantity combo for your project. If that still doesn't work (ex. not enough stock listed in the base you want), email me!  I can make things happen!

How do I know how many of a certain base/color combo is in stock?

It should show on the product page and update as you change the base selection. Please let me know if something isn't working!

How long does Dye to Order take?

Most bases (except Cellular and Pima DK): It depends on a variety of factors, but my official turnaround time is 6-8 weeks.  However, it should not take that long!  I give myself cushion for mishaps/mistakes/illness/mental health days/kids/life.  I typically work a Dye to Order request into my dye schedule within 4 weeks or as soon as the next day. 

Cellular and Pima DK: Dyeing plant based fibers takes significantly longer than the wool based counterpart.  Most of the "dye" time is actually spent washing out the excess dye.  It's an entirely different process from dyeing wools and in all seriousness, I spend at least a full week (often longer) on the washing process.  Yes, it can be done faster but requires significantly more water.  Being a California based business, we are almost always in a drought year, so I choose to use a slower but more water conscious and environmentally friendly method. 

Why can't I order all of your colors on one of the cotton bases?

Dyeing animal and plant fibers are two entirely different processes with different chemicals and dyes and thus, different palates and colorways.  I can sometimes take a cotton colorway and translate it to a wool base (ex. Bougainvillea --> Rubellite) but it is much harder to go the other direction.  That's why the plant based yarns are listed separately.

What is Extra Fine Merino?  How does it differ from Merino? What is Ultra Fine? What are microns?

My core line, Butter, is Extra Fine Superwash Merino with a 19.5 micron count. Let's break this down.  Microns (aka micrometers) are a unit of measurement (1/1,000,000th of meter) and it refers to the diameter of the individual fiber shaft.  The lower the micron count, the finer or thinner the individual fibers.  In tactile terms, it translates to softness.  Think about adult hair vs. baby hair.  Adult hair is thicker and coarser and simply not as soft as super fine/thin baby hair. 

A few points of reference:

  • Cashmere 12-16 microns
  • Ultra Fine Merino 17 microns (Seismic Ultra)
  • Extra Fine Merino 19.5 Microns  (Seismic Butter)
  • Super Fine Merino 20.5 Microns
  • Fine Merino 21.5 Merino
  • Typical Superwash Merino 22-25 microns (typical indie dyer bases)
  • Most people consider wool that is 27 microns and up itchy.

Other questions?

Send me an email!