Hand Washed Yarn
Sundborn Inc introduces the Sundborn Sweater, hand knitted in our hand spun GreenWool yarn from our hand raised Icelandic sheep. It is presented by commission only and only in the Sundborn Sweater Ensemble which includes the essentials necessary for the safekeeping of this extraordinary heirloom garment. Hand washing the GreenWool yarn which becomes the Sundborn Sweater occurs only in summer because of the great quantity of spring fed waters and open air drying time required for the process.
Previously, in the spring each hand spinner has labeled the color coded GreenWool skeins of yarn with the name of the sheep whose fleece she spun, and she has placed the labeled package in an air tight container. In this next washing procedure, when the appropriate water temperatures are reached, vegetable soaps are added to the wash basins, the labeled container is opened, and an entire package of color coded skeins from the single fleece is submerged in the soapy waters. During the first wash, the skeins are carefully agitated by hand to promote cleaning and fulling, but short of felting. The skeins are then removed and spun, the basins drained, and the entire process is repeated at least twice more.
With each wash, the waste water is monitored carefully for evidence that cleaning progresses to completion. Between washings, each skein is fluffed by hand to remove debris, improve body, and inspect quality.
When ready, the basins are filled with new waters for rinsing. Again, careful attention to temperature is essential. At least three rinse sessions, the second to last with vinegar added, are required before the monitored waste water runs perfectly clear.
After the many hours needed, the clean, damp skeins are collected and hung in cool shade in a spot protected from harsh wind.
Once thoroughly dry, the soft, clean color coded GreenWool skeins of yarn are quickly returned to their labeled air tight containers, with desiccants added, ready for the hand knitters.
By comparison, commercial mills with massive machines and petroleum-based soaps which compromise wool’s natural fire-retardant properties can process wool into a lifeless, mishmashed submission. Even acid baths are sometimes used to dissolve debris. And certainly with them there can be no guarantees. Our hand washing the GreenWool yarn, hand spun from our Icelandic fleece, assures continuity and ensures that the garment destined to be offered in the Sundborn Sweater Ensemble fulfills everyone’s expectations. For further information, contact us at Sundborn Inc 17000 Lystila Road, L’Anse, MI 49946, email sundborn@up.net, or call 906 524 5868. Thank you.