Etsy

I've been involved with fiber arts in some way or another for going on fifteen years, really ever since I was a kid. I've chosen a career in librarianship, but I'm still working with knitting, dyeing, and spinning.

Check out shop news and blather at the shop blog! http://laughingratstudio.blogspot.com. I've also got a Ravelry group where you can share your projects made from Laughing Rat Studio fibers and yarns, as well as get advance notice of sales and updates. http://www.ravelry.com/groups/laughing-rat-studio

Frequently-asked questions:

Q: What kind of dyes do you use?
A: I only use professional-grade, washfast acid dyes, no food or kitchen dyes.

Q: What kind of environment is your yarn stored in?
A: My yarns are produced and stored in a smoke-free, animal-friendly home. No pets are permitted near the yarn at any time during its manufacture and storage. This prevents damage to the yarn and keeps it free of potential irritants.

Q: Does X yarn have stripes/repeats/pooling?
A: Laughing Rat Studio's yarns are kettle-dyed, tending to short (3-8") color repeats and lots of blended areas, rather than sharply-defined blocks of color. Any self-striping yarns will be noted as such. That said, please ask questions if you want to know more about a yarn!

Q: Do you do layaways or holds?
A: Yes! Reserves are no problem; just notify me through Etsy and I will be happy to place your item(s) on reserve for you for up to three days. If you need longer than that, let me know--we can work something out.

I am willing to do layaway as well. Terms are 1/3 down, with up to two payments of 1/3 each over a period of six weeks.

Q: Will you do special orders?
A: I tend to shy away from special orders, simply because I enjoy dyeing as my whim suits me. :) Although I do have somewhat repeatable colorways, I enjoy being able to shift those around and play with them rather than making them the same every time. That way every item is unique.

However, I have no problems with folks asking me to re-dye a color for them, or to do a color on a different yarn base--just bear in mind that it may differ somewhat from the previous incarnation!

There might be a slight delay in fulfilling some requests if I'm between supply orders. I'm a one-woman operation, so sometimes these things take a little more time than with a big-name dyer, but you're always assured personal attention and a unique product. I'm committed to bringing you the best possible yarns I can provide. First and foremost I want people to enjoy knitting with my yarn!

Q: Do you take checks or e-checks?
A: Yes, those payment methods are just fine. I will wait until either type clears before shipping the order.

Q: What's with the name? Do rats really laugh?
A: Yes, and they enjoy being tickled, too. The sound of rat "laughter" is so high-pitched that humans can only hear it with special equipment.