CARING FOR YOUR WOOLIES

BEFORE YOU MAKE THAT PURCHASE WE WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WOOLIES SO YOUR HARD WORK AND MONEY DON'T END UP A FELTED MESS OF REGRET. THE YAK YARNERY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ARTICLES FELTED OR THAT HAVE BLEED.

WASHING

We HIGHLY recommend hand washing your articles for longevity, even the Superwash stuff. Hand washing not only protects the vibrancy of the dyed fibres but also helps maintain the integrity of the wool. We suggest a 15-20 minute soak in cold water with an unscented and mild detergent meant for delicates or wool. Gently squeeze the articles to remove water, do not wring them out. You can use a towel to roll the article in to absorb more moisture as well.

ALWAYS lay your article flat to dry on blocking mats or a clean towel. It is normal for your yarn to bleed slightly in the first few washes, especially if the colour way is rich or extremely saturated. Warm water and scented soaps can encourage colours to bleed.

PRO TIP: Swatching and washing your swatch is a great way to check colour fastness, not just your gauge.

STORAGE

If you're storing your woolies in a drawer, line it with fragranced anti-moth paper. If it's a wardrobe, invest in some cedar balls or scented sachets.
We do not recommend that you hang your woolies. They will lose their shape and start sagging. Always fold them when storing. 
Do not use cardboard boxes for storage- they are not pH neutral so the chemicals in the fabric could react with the acid or alkaline in the boxes (brown cardboard boxes are very alkaline).
Don't leave garments in plastic bags for more than three months because of the change in temperature - central heating going on and off causes condensation in the bags, which dries on the garments and can cause mildew or yellowing on light colours.
When the garment is not in use, store them in dust bags, or sealable garment containers to protect them from moths. As a general rule, any stored clothes need to be kept well-aired, dust free and covered, away from sunlight. Nothing should be left in direct sunlight as sunlight rots fabrics.

PILLING

Pilling is a natural inherent characteristic of wool. Use a cashmere comb to remove the fuzz balls and your garment is as good as new.

WEARING

Don't wear the same wool garment too frequently. Allow it a two or three days rest after a day of wearing. I know it's hard to not wear your new favourite everyday.
A knitted wool garment next to rough clothing, metal necklaces, bracelets, belts and rough leather items is a recipe for pilling and snagging.

IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR HIGH FIVES AND TWO THUMBS UP!

AND NOW YOU'RE READY TO SHOP AND CREATE ALL THE THINGS!