FAQ
Tell me about Forty Winks!
Forty Winks Fibers was born from my long-time loves of knitting and color! I enjoyed making abstract, colorful paintings for years. Once I began knitting seriously, it was natural for me to begin asking how I could bring my love of expression through color to my fiber craft. I became more involved in the knitting community on Instagram, and once I started following other amazing hand dyers, it was game over for me! I began dyeing yarn in 2022, and I've never felt more fulfilled in my creative endeavors! Forty Winks Fibers is how I share my love of color and fiber craft with others in this wonderful community!
What is hand dyed yarn?
Hand dyed yarn is yarn that has colored dyes applied by hand rather than through mass-production methods. It is a creative expression of color on fiber. Yarns are dyed in small batches, and each skein is unique!
What is superwash vs non-superwash wool?
Superwash yarns have been chemically treated to remove or coat the tiny scales on the surface of the fibers. This smooths out the fibers, making them less likely to stick together (felt) when washed. Superwash wools are less sensitive to quick changes in temperature, and have a smoother, less "rustic" feel. They also tend to absorb dye differently from non-superwash fibers. Colors tend to be brighter and more saturated on superwash bases.
Will my yarn look exactly like the photos?
Due to the nature of hand dyed yarns, the yarns you receive will not be exact replicas of the ones photographed for listings. Colorways may slightly vary across different skeins, this is the fun of hand-dyed yarns! Sisters, not twins! I recommend buying as much yarn as you will need for your project at once, as that way they will all be dyed as part of the same dye lot. This ensures that your yarns are dyed with the same batch of dyes, keeping them more consistent with each other. I do my best to take color-accurate photos of my yarns, but color may slightly vary depending on your monitor/screen settings.
How do I prevent color pooling with hand-dyed yarns?
If you are concerned about color pooling or color consistency while working with hand-dyed yarns, I recommend alternating skeins as you work. This will ensure that you are introducing color in a more random fashion, rather than introducing color in a repeating pattern. There are really great tutorials online for how to best alternate skeins based on what craft you are working with! I personally prefer helical knitting to alternate skeins!
Can I machine wash my yarn?
While superwash yarns theoretically can be machine washed due to the treatment process they have been through, I do not recommend machine washing your finished objects in order to preserve their longevity. I recommend hand washing your yarns with a mild, wool-friendly detergent (such as Soak wool wash) and cold water. Dry your objects flat, the dryer is not their friend!
Do hand-dyed yarns bleed?
As part of my dyeing process, I wash finished yarns with scentless wool wash until the water runs clear. However, due to differences in tap water pH, hardness, and other conditions, hand dyed yarns may release a little color over their first few washes. Don't panic, this is normal, particularly for very dark/saturated colors or for blues/reds. Reds are notorious color releasers! If you are concerned about colors bleeding, I like to include a color catcher when I wash my finished objects. If you are noticing what seems like excessive color bleeding, please reach out to me!
What steps are you taking to be more environmentally friendly?
I aim to work as eco-friendly as possible! I reuse soak/rinse water where possible to conserve this resource. My packing supplies use minimal plastics; instead, I use compostable poly mailers and recyclable tissue paper in place of plastic wrap.
Are your yarns ethically sourced?
All of my yarns are certified mulesing-free, and sourced from ethical suppliers who produce yarns with both the ranchers and animals in mind!
Do you have an "Anti Fat-Tax" discount?
I do! If you are purchasing 7 full skeins you can use the code ANTIFATTAX to get your 8th skein free! There are no restrictions for how many times you can use the code, you just get your 8th skein free every time! Holding multiple yarns together is popular in many designs, so in order to be most accessible, I do not want to restrict the discounts to a single base/color. This code excludes minis, sock sets, and mini sets; it can be used for full skeins only. These discounts are intended for use by plus size creators who would otherwise struggle to afford creating garments in their size. I will not be verifying proper use of these codes, I'm using the honor system here! Please only use these codes if this applies to you!
Are you taking wholesale orders?
Yes! If you are looking to carry indie dyed yarn in your shop, please use my contact form to reach out! I'm happy to discuss wholesale orders!
Are you open to working with pattern designers?
One of my favorite things about the fiber community is how we support and collaborate with one another! If you are interested in using my yarns for one of your designs, please reach out to me via my contact form! I'm happy to discuss your project to see if I'm able to provide yarn for samples or discounts for pattern testers!
Policies
Shipping
I work my hardest to get your yarns to you as quickly as possible! I know the wait for a new goodie is the worst! In-stock orders will typically ship within 2-4 business days. During larger pre-orders, in-stock orders will ship between 4-6 business days. Pre-orders will have turnaround times detailed in their listings; typically between 3-8 weeks. These estimates are subject to change depending on your location or other factors during the shipping process. Sometimes they will arrive sooner, and other times, such as peak holiday times, they will arrive later than expected. Once your package is dropped off with the postal service, I am no longer responsible for it. Please contact your chosen shipping service for missing or delayed packages. Shipping costs are non-refundable. International buyers are responsible for any import taxes or customs fees that may apply.
Refunds and Returns
I want your yarns to inspire nothing but joy, so if you are unhappy with your purchase I would love to chat with you about making it right! If we agree upon a return and refund, I will not be responsible for return shipping costs. Once items are returned in their original condition (not wound/caked, partially used, or altered in any way), I will issue a refund or exchange. I appreciate your kindness and patience in working out any issues with your order, I am one gal running this business, and I occasionally make human mistakes!
Cancelations
Cancelations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you need to cancel your order, reach out to me via my Contact page or by email. As I purchase materials to dye based on pre-order numbers, all cancelations will be subject to a 6% restocking fee to cover costs already accrued.
