にほんごでどうぞ

My name is Poppet. I have been crocheting and weaving since childhood. I don't like to knit, and I try to keep sewing to a minimum, but I can sew. I do like to draw. If you are interested in some kind of unusual item, or would like something replicated, feel free to ask me to make it.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: I try not to use materials that aren't biodegradable or recyclable, such as acrylic yarn, and you shouldn't either. I have a few phone cases with new or vintage plastic buttons. Think of the end of the product before you buy it. If it will sit in a landfill for a thousand years, it's no good.

HAND WASHING: hand washing is easy! I use perfume- and dye-free dish soap and cool water, soak it for a while, at least 25 min., stir gently, then rinse well. You can add a little bit of vinegar to the last rinse which will restore the acid/alkaline balance and make your object a little shinier. I then roll it in a towel to blot out the water and shape it to the right size (this is called "blocking"), then leave it to dry on something where air can circulate. If it is a hat I twirl it on my hand like a frisbee to shape it. Do not wring or twist the wool. If you use hot water, the wool will felt and shrink.

HAT SIZES: there is a wikipedia article entitled "hat" and at the end of the article there is a chart showing size comparisons and designations used in various countries, as well as metric, French and English measuring systems. If you want to be sure a hat will fit you, you can measure your head (or a hat that you know fits you) and from that figure out your size and compare it to the dimensions on the listing.

Bear in mind that when it is put on it will stretch. The wool hats will stretch about 3/4 -1 1/4 inches compared to their size flat. The cotton/wool hats only stretch about 1/2 inch. Because I crochet tightly, they won't stretch that much.

SHRINKING: the cotton yarn I use for pot holders, iphone and kindle cases is prone to shrinking. These items are intended to fit snugly if machine-washed and dried hot. If you are not satisfied with the size of your case when you receive it, try washing it. If it does not fit after washing, you can still return it to me and I will send a refund or exchange. I would appreciate any feedback you can give me about how they fit your particular devices. If you want a case to stay its original size, simply wash it by hand (cool water) and air dry it.

SOME NOTES ON MATERIALS: the word angora comes form the name of the city now called Ankara, in Turkey. There are both angora rabbits and angora goats. Mohair is the wool of the angora goat, angora usually means angora rabbit fur.
The word cashmere comes from the name of the region now called Kashmir, in India. It refers to cashmere goats.
Llamas, vicuñas and alpacas are all closely related animals from South America, and people shear their fur for yarn.
There are many kinds of sheep wool, and one of the most commonly used in clothing is merino, but there are many kinds with different qualities and properties. Sheep wool contains lanolin, which is a skin-softening, waterproofing substance.
The word wool generically refers to animal fur harvested from living animals for human use. This usually doesn't hurt the animals very much, as their fur is either clipped, sheared or shed and collected. Camel fur is collected when they shed it and rabbit fur is combed out and clipped. Of course it's not good if they get too cold.

TECHNIQUE: I weave using an inkle loom, which can be used to make long, thin woven pieces such as belts, garters, guitar straps and trim. It is a very old kind of loom and its origin is unknown. I crochet using mostly single crochet, and make color patterns, which is called tapestry or jacquard crochet. I crochet tightly, which is a technique called hard crochet. I enjoy making things for people. I like doing custom orders. It's hasn't been really cold here this winter but I hope my hats have kept some people warm.

WOOL YARN: some of the wool yarn I use is moth-proofed, and some is not. None of it is machine washable. The yarn I use for woven belts and musical instrument straps is moth-proofed. Almost all of the yarn I use for hats is moth-proofed and the cotton/wool blend used in cotton hats is moth-proofed. The yarn I use for recorder and penny whistle cases and small pouches is not all moth-proofed. If it is not moth-proofed, you need to be careful not to let moths attack it. You can do this either by using the item a lot, by washing it every two months or so, or by storing it in a sealed container, plastic bag or cedar chest when you are not using it. It contains lanolin which is what clothes moths eat. Thank you to all the world's sheep. llamas and goats for giving us their fur. Wool is one of the only materials that will still insulate when it is wet.

Poppet