FAQS

Romney Ridge Farm TM

Do you sell only wool yarns?
No. I have several blends including a Wool/Mohair blend and a Wool/Angora blend. All
fibers are grown in Maine.

What size skeins do you have?
Currently I have my yarns skeined at 80 yards for Bulky, 250 yards for worsted, 270
yards for Dk, and 430 yards for sport weight. I prefer to never go below 200 yards in a
skein – except for our Bulky weight.

Do all of your yarns come from your annual shearing?
Not all of my yarns are from my sheep, Angora goats and Angora Bunnies. Yarns from
our animals are listed as Romney Ridge Farm Blends.
All other yarns come from fibers I have selectively purchased from several, fellow Maine
fiber farms. I am proud to support the farmers by offering them a higher price for their
wool than other venues.   I purchase only clean “healthy “ fleeces, meaning I have
developed a relationship with the farmers and know that they take good care of their
animals nutritionally and humanely.

Where are your yarns spun?
Keeping my business local is very important to me. After the wool and mohair is washed
at Riteway Scouring in Waldoboro, Maine, the end product and fiber content determines
where the yarns are spun. Yarns containing the shorter, fine, medium and down-type
wools are spun on the woolen system using a historic mule spinner in Harmony, Maine.
Longwools and Mohair are best spun using the worsted system. For these yarns I have
used Green Mountain Spinnery in Vermont. Though not in Maine, GMS has been
spinning for me since my flock numbered ten.   Both mills have high standards and work
with me on each run.   Angora can be spun on either system, depending on the desired
outcome.

What kind of dyes do you use?
After experimenting with several different companies, I am happiest with the true, bold
colors created by Cushing Dyes of Kennebunk, Maine. Cushing Dyes are simple to use
and require no harsh mordents, only vinegar. The dyes are rich, steadfast and easily
bended. Best of all they are manufactured right here in Maine.

What environmentally friendly practices do you implement within your
business?
All of my fibers are washed using earth friendly, biodegradable, low temperature, Power
Scour which is not only environmentally friendly, but a gentle, effective cleaner of
fibers.   My dyeing methods keep the environment, as well as your wallet in mind. I have
developed methods of recycling dye baths, using less hot water and using less fuel.   All
yarns are “hand-dyed and sun-dried” using only Mother Nature for drying. These
methods help keep my costs down when producing my yarns which I can pass along to
my customers.

When I ordered 5 skeins they came shipped in a box, when I ordered 2
then came tightly packed in a tyvek mailer, why?
I do my best to ship your yarns to you as inexpensively as possible. Since shipping is
based more on size than weight, I can mail one or two skeins at a lower cost in the tyvek
mailers. Yarn won’t break, so no bulky, protective packaging is required. Simply pull out
your yarn and give it a shake. If you prefer your yarn is shipped in a box, please e-mail
me when ordering, but be aware that the shipping costs will be higher.

Can you ship yarns packaged as a gift?
Absolutely! Just be sure to let me know when you order.

I stopped by your shop during business hours and you were not there.
Being a business owner and mother of three presents me with many challenges. I do my
absolute best to be open during my posted hours, however, occasionally life has other
plans. If I have to run out, I will leave a note as to my return time, I also will leave a
recorded message on my phone as well as a posted message on my website. Yarns
that we carry on our Yarn Shop are the same as what we have on our website, but
visiting and being accosted by Romeo the Goat are much more fun. I do apologize if I
missed you and hope you can stop by again. Please feel free to call ahead or e-mail the
day before if you are traveling from a distance.

beautiful yarns from happy sheep