Frequently Asked Questions

Custom Orders

Sorry, custom orders can not be accommodated at this time. During off-peak seasons, I offer limited preorder windows so we can make your bookish sweater dreams come true! These are announced via the newsletter.

Care instructions

Once dyed and color is set, all yarn is rinsed thoroughly in a mild lavender wool wash, Eucalan, until water runs clear. Superwash yarn is machine washable and the dyes used are colorfast and washfast, but washing separately in cold water and drying flat when possible ensures your beloved handiwork stays vibrant and soft for years.

Untreated (Nonsuperwash) should always be hand washed in cool water to prevent felting.

Bold colors such as intense reds and blues are at extra risk for bleeding - please take care when considering projects; swatch and rinse if you’re unsure.  Always use cool water to prevent color bleed.

Sustainability practices

In efforts to reduce waste, water and dye are conserved and reused, and paper goods are recycled when possible. Much of the dye studio equipment is secondhand or repurposed materials. 

None of your yarn comes from any source that practices mulesing. Beginning 2022, a curated selection of US grown/processed, NC-milled bases further reduces carbon footprints and sustains regional economies. 

Ex Libris Fibers is a city neighborhood "low car" operation and largely conducted by bicycle when possible. The studio is in walking/biking distance and I almost always bike your orders to the USPS. 

Carmilla gray and purple yarn drying in a basement

Do you have dye lots?

Ex Libris dye batches are not numbered, but new batches of yarn are not dyed/listed until the previous "lot" has been sold. Each colorway is dyed in small batches according to standardized recipes, but no two skeins of hand dyed yarn will be identical. Subtle variations in color are the are a result of hand dyeing, and are not considered flaws. Alternating skeins is one technique that can be used to combine yarns from different dye batches for a more uniform look. 

Shipping for Preorders (Yarn Club, Dyed to Order) and Ready to Ship

Shipped orders containing both Preorders (Dyed to Order) and Ready to Ship skeins will ship later to accommodate the time necessary to create your skeins. See item listing for exact shipping time details!

Any Ready to Ship skeins needed earlier must be placed as a separate order from preorder carts.  

Can I browse/pick up yarn at your workspace?

Nope, sorry! It is a workspace only. But you can find Ex Libris at many events during the year and even in awesome local yarn stores.

Shipping terms

All orders are shipped. U.S. orders over $120 ship free using code FREESHIP120.

Standard shipping for in-stock, non-preorder items is with USPS tracking generally on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Extenuating circumstances may lengthen transit time, and are beyond the control of Ex Libris Fibers once the order has been accepted by USPS. 

It is the buyer's responsibility to provide a secure place for delivery. If tracking information shows that the item has been delivered, Ex Libris Fibers is not responsible for any claims. You are encouraged to contact USPS and/or file a claim if you suspect your package is missing.If after 3 weeks no updated tracking is available and no delivery has been confirmed, please contact me. Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. Ex Libris Fibers unfortunately has no control over delays due to customs.

 

A scattered pile of ex-library catalog cards repurposed as Thank You notes, near a laptop and several skeins of hand dyed yarn.

Returns & Exchanges

If for any reason you are unhappy with your order, please email rita-at-exlibrisfibers.com so we can find a resolution. Returns and exchanges are accepted with return shipping costs covered by buyer. Email within 7 days of delivery to initiate a return. Preorders, wound yarn, Shop Pay Installments purchases, and sale items are not returnable. Yarn in original condition must be shipped back within 10 days of delivery. If the item is not returned in its original condition, buyer will be responsible for any loss in value.