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Pine Ledge Fiber Studio, 103 Ledge Rd., Fairfax, VT 05454 802-849-2876 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I place an order or make a purchase?Call or email me with your request. I read my email every weekday morning. On weekends, from May through October, I am often on the road and probably will not read or respond to messages until Monday morning. If you call and I do not pick up immediately, please leave a message. I am often at a place in my work where I: cannot put threads down; am up to my elbows in a dye pot; with a customer; or teaching a class. I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can. Payment must be made in advance. Credit card information can be taken over the phone. It also may be possible to pay for your purchase using paypal. Personal checks are accepted, but may take a few days to process. Returns and exchanges require approval and the request must be received within 15 days of purchase. Back to Top2. Why can't I buy things directly from your Website?This is not a secure site, so credit card payments are not accepted on line. If you wish to purchase an item you see here, please call or email me to check on availability and determine shipping fees. My own work (handspun yarn, handwoven fabrics, handspun/handknit hats) sells very quickly. I am continually spinning and weaving, but I am not a production worker. There are certain items that I enjoy making and will do some variation of, year after year, but find that I am not willing to make the same things over and over again in exactly the same way. If I've sold out of towels, there might not be any more for awhile. Most of the time I'm happy to take orders, and try to reshuffle my schedule to fit things in, but if I happen to already have several custom orders booked, it might take weeks (or months).
Back to Top3. Do you raise your own sheep?The short answer is no. The longer answer is that I'm really more of a 'goat-person'. If you've ever had the privilege of caring for goats, that statement will tell you a great deal about my personality. If you don't know what I'm talking about it's probably just as well. When I first started spinning I had a small herd of registered Oberhasli Dairy Goats. I considered 'switching over', but honestly am not 'in love' with sheep, and would have had a hard time choosing a particular breed or breed type to raise. Along with that, I realized that I most wanted to learn about (play and work with) all types of fiber, not just sheep's wool. The 9 years I spent with goats also helped me realize that I am not 'good' at having to make the hard choices that come with animal husbandry and farming. And again, if you don't know what I'm talking about, it's probably just as well. Basically, it came down to how I most wanted to spend my time (and $). Studio work gradually took up more time and caring for animals was phased out. I purchase all of the fibers I use (except for occasional harvesting of dog or cat hair). 4. What part of the spinning wheel pricked Sleeping Beauty?A part that isn't (recognizable) on most modern wheels.I get asked this question a lot when I demonstrate. If you really want to learn more about the workings and history of spinning wheels, email me and I will give you a list of references so you can begin your study.Back to Top5. How long does it take to make a .....whatever?A long time.... All of the work I do is by hand - by me- and often one piece at a time. Depending on the thing, it probably also took a lot of time learning how to do it. But that's a choice I make because I like doing (almost) all of the steps that go into each piece. I hope to be able to post pictures on a weaving page to illustrate what goes into preparing a loom for weaving. To some people it looks tedious and boring and repetitive. To me it's an opportunity to handle yarn. And I really, really like yarn handling. Back to Top6. How much yarn do I need to make ... whatever?Several factors need to be considered when planning any project and those factors play a role in determining the amount of yarn needed. It's possible to estimate, but even a 'best guess' requires some knowledge of your own knitting (or weaving) style. Sampling is highly recommended and really the only way to come up with a realistic figure for yardage requirements. It's worth spending time deciding (and experimenting) with what you want/need the finished fabric to be like. Size does matter (for yarn and needles). So does sett, and picks per inch. Feel free to email me with your questions about yarn requirements. Back to Top7. Can I get samples?Yes. Complete sets of yarn samples are usually available for the Super Bulky Handspun line. (When new fiber colors are introduced there may be some delay while I spin and make samples). Individual fiber, yarn, and fabric samples can be made available. Fees for these depend on type of sample required and the time needed to make/prepare the samples. If you have any questions as to whether a particular color of hat or scarf (or any of the items I make) will 'match' something you own, I will be happy to send a small sample of the yarns used if you send me a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your request. Back to Top8. Do you spin dog fur?Yes, but I do so only on a very limited basis. I hope to have a page posted soon all about spinning dog fiber so check back or email me if you have specific questions. Back to Top HOME9. Where do you show/sell your work?This year, (2007) I plan to sell at the Farmer's Market in Burlington VT, on line (more details soon) and at my studio/shop by appointment. Please note that my personal commitments and/or inclement weather may prevent me from being at market. If you want to know if I plan to attend on a specific date, please email or call. Burlington Farmer's Market - Saturday's, May 12 - October 27, 2007 from 8:30am - 2:30pm Joanne
Littler
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