Welcome to our FAQ page dedicated to our wool. Please feel free to contact us for any additional questions!
THE BASICS
WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR WOOL FROM?
Our wool comes either from our own farm, where we rear Hampshire Down sheep, or from a few farms near us that also rear Hampshires, or related breeds, and/or other sheep breeds with interesting wool qualities. Our fellow breeders practise extensive outdoor rearing, just like us. Sometimes the sheep are brought indoors temporarily depending on their needs (bad weather, lambing, etc.), but for the vast majority of the time they graze peacefully in natural meadows.
All the wool used in our products is mulesing-free.
We work with the following breeds: Hampshire Down, Charollais, Texel, Romane, Suffolk, Vendéenne, Dorper, Romney and Charmoise.
All the wool used in our products is mulesing-free.
We work with the following breeds: Hampshire Down, Charollais, Texel, Romane, Suffolk, Vendéenne, Dorper, Romney and Charmoise.
WHERE IS YOUR WOOL PROCESSED?
We manually sort the fleeces ourselves during or sometimes after shearing. We triage the wool very carefully to select only the finest, softest and smoothest for spinning, and the fluffiest for bedding, for example. Each type of wool has a use, so we make the most of each fleece!
The wool is then washed in the Haute-Loire (France) and spun into yarn in the Creuse (France). The wool batts are carded in either the Haute-Loire, Creuse or Morbihan. Our felt is made in the Morbihan.
The wool is then washed in the Haute-Loire (France) and spun into yarn in the Creuse (France). The wool batts are carded in either the Haute-Loire, Creuse or Morbihan. Our felt is made in the Morbihan.
IS THE WOOL TREATED?
All our wool products are natural: washed in an environmentally-friendly process, the wool is not treated with any chemical products or processes such as superwash or wool moth treatments. A tiny trace of spining oil in the undyed yarn may remain, this can be easily removed with warm water if desired.
what are the properties of this wool?
We only work with natural wool. With its thermoregulatory, insulating, antibacterial (anti-odour) and water-repellent properties, as well as its resilience, softness, loft, and ease of dyeing and working with, this wool stands out as the ideal material for creating a wardrobe and home décor that are natural, environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
what does your yarn feel like?
Our natural yarns feel light and pleasantly soft, offering remarkable ease of handling that will be appreciated by both beginners and experienced knitters and those practising other yarn-based crafts. They are carefully sorted to remove as many of the coarsest hairs as possible – which can irritate some people – whilst retaining their resilience and elasticity. The breeds we work with do not contain any gard hairs – the worst culprits when it comes to itchy wool! Its dry feel is characteristic of carded but uncombed yarns, and when washed, the yarn develops a lovely halo and becomes even softer, whilst gaining body.
A comparison table is available in the shop under the ‘Which base should I choose?’ tab.
Our wool is mainly composed of fine fibres rather than ultra-fine fibres, and of course it contains no synthetic fibres such as acrylic, which are very smooth; nor has it undergone any chemical treatment that ‘plasticises’ it. Some people who are not yet familiar with the beauty and benefits of natural wool might choose to start with items such as a cardigan, a tank top, a jacket or a warm sweater.
A comparison table is available in the shop under the ‘Which base should I choose?’ tab.
Our wool is mainly composed of fine fibres rather than ultra-fine fibres, and of course it contains no synthetic fibres such as acrylic, which are very smooth; nor has it undergone any chemical treatment that ‘plasticises’ it. Some people who are not yet familiar with the beauty and benefits of natural wool might choose to start with items such as a cardigan, a tank top, a jacket or a warm sweater.
CRAFTING QUESTIONS
CAN YOU HELP ME CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF WOOL?
Yes, absolutely, whether you're a private or professional client! We have a wide enough range of yarns and fibres to ensure we can find suitable solutions for the vast majority of projects. You can contact us by email ([email protected]) or by phone (0699205002) for advice.
Our wools are used by our customers for knitting and crochet, machine knitting, weaving, needlepoint and macramé, embroidery, tufted rugs, needle felting and wet felting, hand spinning, nalbinding, quilting, patchwork, upholstery and soft furnishings, amongst others.
Our wools are used by our customers for knitting and crochet, machine knitting, weaving, needlepoint and macramé, embroidery, tufted rugs, needle felting and wet felting, hand spinning, nalbinding, quilting, patchwork, upholstery and soft furnishings, amongst others.
DO YOU DYE OR MAKE TO Order?
Yes we can dye yarn and carded wool to your requirements using natural dyes. Please note that processing times can be variable and dependent upon many factors: rush orders are best avoided.
We can also knit to order. We're happy to study any custom requests. Please contact us by email ([email protected]) or by phone (0699205002) to discuss further.
We can also knit to order. We're happy to study any custom requests. Please contact us by email ([email protected]) or by phone (0699205002) to discuss further.
WHAT NEEDLE or HOOK SIZE DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR YOUR YARNS?
Each product description lists the most commonly used needle sizes for the yarn in question. Although there may be a general correlation between needle size and crochet hook size for a given yarn, it is essential to work a gauge swatch to determine the optimal needle or crochet hook size, as this may vary depending on the pattern.
IS YOUR WOOL SUITABLE FOR FELTING OR OTHER CRAFTS?
Yes, absolutely! Our carded batts are used for both needle-felting and wet-felting. Earlier versions (pre-2024) were harder to wet-felt, but we've updated the blend of breeds in the batts so that they are very easy to felt.
To wet-felt a knitted item, a perfect new yarn will be produced (2026) - watch out for the "Romantique" base!
The carded wool batts and also the wool flakes have been used to stuff insulated casserole covers, teddy bears, upholstered chairs, eiderdowns. The felt wadding is perfect for quilting and patchworks. The felt sheets have been embroidered upon - with our wool yarn - to wonderful effect. And the yarn is also easy to use in punch-needle and tufting.
To wet-felt a knitted item, a perfect new yarn will be produced (2026) - watch out for the "Romantique" base!
The carded wool batts and also the wool flakes have been used to stuff insulated casserole covers, teddy bears, upholstered chairs, eiderdowns. The felt wadding is perfect for quilting and patchworks. The felt sheets have been embroidered upon - with our wool yarn - to wonderful effect. And the yarn is also easy to use in punch-needle and tufting.
HANK VERSUS CAKE/BALL: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
When you select a yarn to add to your basket, you may see a choice of two formats: hank or cake. (If you don’t see this option, you can request your yarn to be caked in the Comments section at Checkout.)
- Cakes of yarn, like balls, are ready to use straight away: simply find the end of the yarn, either the one on the outside or the the inside of the cake.
- Hanks (skeins) need to be rewound into a cake or ball before they are ready for use.
DYE INFORMATION
WHAT DO YOU USE TO DYE YOUR WOOL?
We work with natural dyes, including plants harvested on or near the farm where possible, and high-quality commercial natural dyes (dried plants as well as natural dye extracts) from reputable suppliers. Ecocert certificates can be provided for the extracts, e.g. if you are a professional user of our dyed wool.
Some colours require an alum mordant to ensure the colour is fixed properly: this is a traditional, safe and widely used practice. We use a cold, closed-loop mordanting process in almost all cases to drastically minimise our footprint, both for alum use and water consumption, compared to usual mordanting practices.
Furthermore, since 2019 we have been experimenting with different methods of natural dyeing with the aim of minimising water and energy consumption and optimising the use of dyestuffs.
Some colours require an alum mordant to ensure the colour is fixed properly: this is a traditional, safe and widely used practice. We use a cold, closed-loop mordanting process in almost all cases to drastically minimise our footprint, both for alum use and water consumption, compared to usual mordanting practices.
Furthermore, since 2019 we have been experimenting with different methods of natural dyeing with the aim of minimising water and energy consumption and optimising the use of dyestuffs.
where is the wool dyed?
The wool is dyed by our sheep farmer, wool producer and dyer Katie, here in Chaillac in the Indre. She offers a range of stunning, unique colours using her own secret recipes!
Are there any precautions to take regarding THE DYES?
In short: no, not really! However, there are two points to bear in mind:
The fibres are thoroughly rinsed after dyeing, but despite our best efforts, some slight bleeding may occur while knitting etc or during the first wash. This should not affect the colour, as the pigment is not fixed; nor should it transfer to neighbouring fibres. For undyed wool to take up colour, it usually needs to go through several stages of dyeing, involving significant increases in temperature, etc: conditions that you won’t be able to replicate during a simple wash.
We favour those natural dyes that are most resistant to light and washing, but generally speaking, any colour – whether natural or synthetic – will be better preserved if it is not constantly exposed to direct light. So, when airing or drying items outdoors for example, take care to place them in the shade rather than in the blazing sun. That said, natural colours may develop a patina over time; this is part of their living charm.
See also the FAQs below on wool care, which apply to both dyed and undyed wool items.
The fibres are thoroughly rinsed after dyeing, but despite our best efforts, some slight bleeding may occur while knitting etc or during the first wash. This should not affect the colour, as the pigment is not fixed; nor should it transfer to neighbouring fibres. For undyed wool to take up colour, it usually needs to go through several stages of dyeing, involving significant increases in temperature, etc: conditions that you won’t be able to replicate during a simple wash.
We favour those natural dyes that are most resistant to light and washing, but generally speaking, any colour – whether natural or synthetic – will be better preserved if it is not constantly exposed to direct light. So, when airing or drying items outdoors for example, take care to place them in the shade rather than in the blazing sun. That said, natural colours may develop a patina over time; this is part of their living charm.
See also the FAQs below on wool care, which apply to both dyed and undyed wool items.
CAN I DYE THE UNDYED WOOL?
Yes, of course! It hasn’t been treated with any chemicals that would prevent it from being dyed. Soak it in water first (with or without a detergent – we haven’t noticed any difference over the years), and follow your usual method.
This wool generally withstands felting well during the dyeing process, except in the event of sudden changes in temperature or excessive agitation.
We’ve heated it up to 100°C without any major problems, but do take extra care with any loosely plied yarns, as well as with the wool flakes and carded batts. Their airier, looser structure gives greater freedom of movement and thus more risk of friction.
This wool generally withstands felting well during the dyeing process, except in the event of sudden changes in temperature or excessive agitation.
We’ve heated it up to 100°C without any major problems, but do take extra care with any loosely plied yarns, as well as with the wool flakes and carded batts. Their airier, looser structure gives greater freedom of movement and thus more risk of friction.
WOOL CARE
HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY WOOL PRODUCT?
Natural wool doesn’t generally get very dirty, and you can freshen it up by airing it outdoors overnight, for example. You can even leave it on the grass to soak up the dew, or in the snow, for a very simple and gentle wash.
From time to time, hand washing may be necessary. Here’s how to proceed:
*Or indeed a bucket, baby bath, etc!
From time to time, hand washing may be necessary. Here’s how to proceed:
- Fill a basin or sink* with fairly warm water (keep it below 40°C to be on the safe side) and a pH neutral olive oil soap or Marseille soap, a detergent suitable for wool, or even handwashing-up liquid . If using your regular detergent, check it doesn't contain enzymes as these will damage the wool. Using these gentle soaps preserves the natural qualities of the wool and any dye it may have.
- Gently place the woollen item in the soapy water and leave it to soak for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid rubbing it excessively so as not to damage the delicate fibres.
- Rinse the item in water at the same temperature as the wool, to avoid sudden changes in temperature. When rinsing, gently add the fresh water down the side of the basin to avoid pouring water directly onto the wool. Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Gently roll the item in a bath towel to soak up any excess water.
- Leave to dry flat, in the shade, to preserve the shape and quality of the item.
*Or indeed a bucket, baby bath, etc!
Can i machine-wash the wool?
Washing instructions are given in the product descriptions. Some of our items can indeed be machine-washed on a wool cycle, with a gentle spin and a pH-neutral detergent: for example, felt insoles.
For other items, please avoid machine washing. Pillows, cushion covers, sheepskins, blankets and hand-woven throws especially cannot be machine washed.
If you have knitted or crocheted an item and wish to machine wash it, you can test it first using the gauge swatch you made at the start of the project (always use the wool cycle with a low spin speed or no spin at all, and a pH-neutral wool-friendly detergent). Please note that we cannot guarantee the results if you decide to try machine washing. Any naturally-dyed colour may fade slightly with repeated washing.
For other items, please avoid machine washing. Pillows, cushion covers, sheepskins, blankets and hand-woven throws especially cannot be machine washed.
If you have knitted or crocheted an item and wish to machine wash it, you can test it first using the gauge swatch you made at the start of the project (always use the wool cycle with a low spin speed or no spin at all, and a pH-neutral wool-friendly detergent). Please note that we cannot guarantee the results if you decide to try machine washing. Any naturally-dyed colour may fade slightly with repeated washing.
HOW TO SAFELY STORE MY WOOL LONG-TERM?
We have never had a problem with wool moths: here are our tips!
For long-term storage, choose a dry place at normal room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Wool items can be stored very successfully in plastic containers or vacuum bags, provided the storage area remains dry.
To keep moths at bay:
For long-term storage, choose a dry place at normal room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Wool items can be stored very successfully in plastic containers or vacuum bags, provided the storage area remains dry.
To keep moths at bay:
- We recommend using lavender sachets in your storage bags or boxes. To refresh these sachets from time to time, add a few drops of lavender essential oil (do not allow the oil to come into direct contact with the wool).
- Cedarwood can also act as repellent. Just lightly re-sand the blocks from time to time.
- If the spiders in your home can peacefully co-exist with you, they may well do you a favour by controlling pests!
- Check stored items regularly to spot any signs of moths or damage at an early stage.
- Place any items you suspect might be affected in the freezer for at least two weeks.
- Wool moths don't appreciate light: if not using plastic boxes or bags, then storing or displaying items out in the open room can dissuade them.
MY ORDER
HOW ARE YOUR PRODUCT PRICES CALCULATED?
Our prices are calulated to ensure a fair price to all involved in the wool production process.
The prices shown on our website are inclusive of all taxes, excluding delivery charges. The standard French VAT rate applies. In your basket, you will see the pre-tax prices, delivery charges, VAT and the total price including VAT to be paid.
If you are ordering from abroad, please note that local taxes or customs duties may apply upon import.
The prices shown on our website are inclusive of all taxes, excluding delivery charges. The standard French VAT rate applies. In your basket, you will see the pre-tax prices, delivery charges, VAT and the total price including VAT to be paid.
If you are ordering from abroad, please note that local taxes or customs duties may apply upon import.
WHICH PAYMENT METHODS ARE ACCEPTED?
We accept payment by credit card, SEPA, PayPal and cheque (from a French bank). You may also have the option of paying with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Please note that cheques must be cleared before your order is dispatched.
Cash payments are possible for in-person purchases.
If you don't see the payment method you'd like to use at checkout, please contact us.
Please note that cheques must be cleared before your order is dispatched.
Cash payments are possible for in-person purchases.
If you don't see the payment method you'd like to use at checkout, please contact us.
I'm having difficulty finalising my order
Please get in touch and we’ll advise you how to proceed. Note that a successful payment results in an e-mail being sent to confirm your order: it may be in your spam folder. If you haven't received an order confirmation, your payment may have failed: please contact us so we can process your order.
AND IF I'M ORDERING A GIFT?
Whether it’s a gift or not, we always take care to wrap each order beautifully in tissue paper (except for certain bulky items such as pillows or bags of wool flakes). We also include a thank-you card! If you’d like your order to be sent directly to the recipient of the gift, please leave a comment when placing your order (or send us an email afterwards), including the message you’d like to see on the card. Don't forget to write your name and any closing language at the end of the message, as we will handwrite your message as given.
For gift orders, we will ensure the item is packaged in a kraft envelope or box, to guarantee a neat presentation.
To facilitate direct delivery to the recipient, please provide their telephone number or email address in the comments box. This information will be used by the delivery service to track the parcel and to resolve any delivery issues that may arise.
For gift orders, we will ensure the item is packaged in a kraft envelope or box, to guarantee a neat presentation.
To facilitate direct delivery to the recipient, please provide their telephone number or email address in the comments box. This information will be used by the delivery service to track the parcel and to resolve any delivery issues that may arise.
what is a pre-order and how does it work?
A pre-order allows you to reserve certain products in advance when they are temporarily out of stock, or to have an item custom-made for you. This may include items such as a specific natural dye, a particular garment or bedding. You pay in full when you place your pre-order.
The advantage of pre-ordering is that it allows you to secure your order in advance, whilst enabling us to focus our efforts on manufacturing the products you need.
We will keep you informed throughout the process and arrange delivery to avoid any clashes with your holidays or travel plans. You are, of course, welcome to contact us for updates on the progress of your pre-order.
Production times vary according to the product and the time of year - the run-up to the end of year holidays is always the busiest. The individual product listings give indications as to production time.
It is important to note that many pre-orders are custom made-to-order items. Consequently, please be aware that you will not be able to exercise your right of withdrawal for such pre-orders.
If you have any further questions or would like to track the progress of your pre-order more closely, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Your satisfaction is our priority and we strive to provide you with an exceptional shopping experience.
The advantage of pre-ordering is that it allows you to secure your order in advance, whilst enabling us to focus our efforts on manufacturing the products you need.
We will keep you informed throughout the process and arrange delivery to avoid any clashes with your holidays or travel plans. You are, of course, welcome to contact us for updates on the progress of your pre-order.
Production times vary according to the product and the time of year - the run-up to the end of year holidays is always the busiest. The individual product listings give indications as to production time.
It is important to note that many pre-orders are custom made-to-order items. Consequently, please be aware that you will not be able to exercise your right of withdrawal for such pre-orders.
If you have any further questions or would like to track the progress of your pre-order more closely, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Your satisfaction is our priority and we strive to provide you with an exceptional shopping experience.
How do you pack orders, and what are your practices regarding eco-friendly packaging?
Reduce, reuse, recycle: these are our guiding principles when we pack your order.
Depending on the size of your order, we use recyclable kraft paper shipping envelopes, or very rarely new old stock plastic mailer bags or recyclable and/or reused cardboard boxes. To ensure any bedding ordered is protected, it is first placed in its original plastic bag supplied by the manufacturer, then wrapped in sturdy kraft paper, cardboard box or heavy-duty plastic for shipping.
We use kraft paper parcel tape wherever possible, unless the package requires regular tape for optimum security.
With the exception of bedding and certain bulky items, each item is carefully wrapped in high-quality tissue paper, made in France. Environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable, this paper is chlorine-free and acid-free; its natural fibres come from forests certified for sustainable and responsible management under the FSC®/PEFC schemes. You can keep this paper and use it when storing woollen garments to prevent creasing, or reuse it as wrapping paper.
Depending on the size of your order, we use recyclable kraft paper shipping envelopes, or very rarely new old stock plastic mailer bags or recyclable and/or reused cardboard boxes. To ensure any bedding ordered is protected, it is first placed in its original plastic bag supplied by the manufacturer, then wrapped in sturdy kraft paper, cardboard box or heavy-duty plastic for shipping.
We use kraft paper parcel tape wherever possible, unless the package requires regular tape for optimum security.
With the exception of bedding and certain bulky items, each item is carefully wrapped in high-quality tissue paper, made in France. Environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable, this paper is chlorine-free and acid-free; its natural fibres come from forests certified for sustainable and responsible management under the FSC®/PEFC schemes. You can keep this paper and use it when storing woollen garments to prevent creasing, or reuse it as wrapping paper.
I've made an error in my order, what should i do?
Contact us rapidly: as long as the parcel hasn't been shipped, it might not be too late!
can i pay in installments?
If you have a PayPal account, you may be able to pay in instalments. This option will appear at checkout if you are eligible: it is managed entirely by PayPal.