Yup, here they are:  Frequently Asked Questions!
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please feel free to email.

1.  How quickly can I expect to receive my yarn? 
2.  What are your hours?  Do you have a retail shop?
3.  What is the extra charge for overnight shipping?
4.  How do you ship International orders?
5.  Do you offer gift wrapping/gift shipping?
6.  Do you offer gift certificates?
7.  What is the difference in your yarns and Mango Moon yarns?  Himalaya's yarns? other yarns available online?
8.  My yarn smells a bit musty, what's with that?  What can I do to freshen it up?
9.  Are the women in Nepal paid well for their efforts?
10.  In the pattern "Unbiased" what are the smaller needles for?

1.  How quickly can I expect to receive my yarn?
We try to ship orders as quickly as possible.  We know you're ready to get your hands on it and needles in it!  We ship *most* orders in 2 business days and send them via priority mail (arrives in 2-3 business days in the US).  Canada orders arrive in about 6 days, International orders in 4-7.  Handpainted yarn/fiber orders take a few extra days.  "Blue square" yarns, here and here, usually need to be special ordered.  It will take about 4-5 days longer for these yarns to arrive. 

2.  What are your hours?  Do you have a retail shop?
We are open Monday-Thursday from 10:00 to 4:30 EST.  We don't have a retail shop--but do exhibit at the Massachusetts Sheep and Wool festival at Cummington in May.

3.  What is the extra charge for overnight shipping?
Overnight shipping is about $5-10 more than our regular shipping.  If you give me a call (802-257-4178) I can give you an exact quote. If you want express shipping, be sure you hear from me by phone or email.

4.  How do you ship International orders?
We ship International orders via airmail.  It usually takes about 4-10 days to arrive.  Some countries may charge tax, usually about $5.00 US on shipments worth over $40.

5.  Do you offer gift wrapping/gift shipping?
Yup, we can do either, or both.  Email or call me and tell me what you need.

6.  Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, we offer online gift certificates in any amount.  Email or call with your needs.

7.  What is the difference in your yarns and Mango Moon yarns?  Himalaya's yarns? other yarns available online?
I'll admit I'm biased, but here is my attempt at a unbiased answer.  :)
I've been told that Mango Moon's yarns are made from used saris.  I understand the used saris are shredded and then spun into yarn.  Our yarns come from weaving waste--the thrums (leftover warp) from the loom.  Since Mango Moon is from used materials, the threads are worn and the yarn softer.  Since our yarns come from new material, the colors are more vivid.  Our "Bathed" is the closest match to Mango Moon--it has a soft hand and scrappy texture, yet has vivid, clear colors.
Himalaya's yarn seems to be very similar to our Kathmandu Original in texture.  I believe it too is made from weaving waste.  Himalaya's Recycled Silk is also almost twice the price of ours.
Other recycled silk yarns--i.e. cheap on ebay--are very often poor quality.  In this case you get what you pay for.

8.  My yarn smells a bit musty, what's with that?  What can I do to freshen it up?
Nepal has a damp climate and the skeins are stored in plastic bags.  This can give the Recycled Silk yarn a musty smell.  I've noticed this smell in all the Recycled Silk I've ever sniffed--mine and others.  Recycled Silk yarn is spun mostly in cottage industries--this can mean a dirt floor hut.  Conditions aren't always ideal for people or for yarn.  Be thankful you have a clean place to live, put your yarn in the sun and it should air out.  If it still offends your sniffer, try Febreeze or a linen water spray.  You'll love the yarn so much you won't mind the extra effort.

9.  Are the women in Nepal paid well for their efforts?
We work hard with our supplier to only purchase Recycled Silk yarns from fair trade situations.  This means that the spinners receive a fair price for their work.  We try to help out in other ways as they arise--such as helping with purchasing necessary equipment.


10.  At Knitty.com, in the pattern "Unbiased" what are the smaller needles for?
The smaller needles are used for the strap.  It should create a tighter fabric which will mean less stretching. 

More questions?  email or call 802-257-4178