Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS
1. Do you have a retail location where I can come to shop when I’m in your area? We are a web-only company; and we do not have a brick and mortar location. We do, however, vend at numerous consumer and wholesale trade shows throughout the United States. Please check our Events Schedule to see when we will be in a city near you.
2. Since most of your fibers are hand-dyed, how true to the original color is the color shown on the website? Since most of our fibers are hand dyed, no two-dye lots will be identical; that’s the inherent beauty in hand-dyed goods. Every time a new dye lot is received, the color is re-scanned and added to our inventory. So you may see two items having the same number with an A or B added at the end, indicating a different dye lot. In addition, each computer and monitor will show the item differently. To understand this concept, think about the times you have been in a store selling televisions. They may be all on the same station but the color can look quite different. the same is true for computer monitors. Always remember that if you receive a color that does not work for your project, feel free to return it. (Please note our Return Policy)
3. Do I have to be concerned that the hand-dyed colors will bleed? I have been selling these fibers for 14 years and I have never had a customer complain that the colors ran because perspiration got onto a necklace. I always advise that, for extra safety, you consider rinsing the fiber in water containing a little vinegar or salt which will help to set the dye, especially if the fibers will used on a garment that will be washed. Any item to be laundered should be turned inside out and placed in a mesh laundry bag to prevent agitation. Of course, all fibers may be dry-cleaned.
4. How much shrinkage should I expect between the length of the raw material and the length of my finished cord? Most fibers are reduced to about 1/3 of their original length: one yard (36”), of most yarns, yields a cord that is approximately 21 ½”. One yard of finer fibers, such as sewing thread, yields about 22 ½”. Thicker material, such as cotton fabric, yields only about ½ of its original length; thus, 36” becomes approximately 18 – 19”. When obtaining the right length is vital to the success of your project, it is very important that you make a test cord from one yard of the material to be used.
5. How much fiber do I need to cut for an 18” necklace? For most fibers, 1 1/4 yards of fiber is all that is needed to obtain an 18” necklace. Remember, if your finished necklace is too short, don’t panic. Simply add some beads between the cone and the clasp to make it longer.
6. Why do I need three looms? Three looms are included in two of the kits to give you the flexibility of using various thicknesses of materials. The ¼” loom uses thin diameter materials; the ½” loom uses medium diameter, and the 1” loom uses thick diameter.
7. How do I finish the ends of my cords to make necklace? You can either put a finding on the ends, such an end-cap or a cone; or, you can fold back your cord and sew a button on one end and make a button-loop with the other end.
Frequently Asked Questions Page
