Spirit Trail Fiberworks specializes in unique, high quality yarns and fibers ~ 30 yarns and 10 spinning fibers of wool, silk, alpaca and other exotic fibers find their way into our dyepots, plus a selection of a rare breed fibers. We select our yarns and fibers based upon fiber quality and tactile enjoyment: Only those we would enjoy using ourselves find their way into our line of yarns and fibers.
All of our yarns and fibers are dyed in small, artisanal batches at our studio and home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia .
Each batch of yarn or fiber is a special, custom order. We utilize washfast acid dyes to obtain a vast array of color possibilities, and vinegar as a safe and gentle mordant. Our yarns and fibers are carefully handpainted with soulful attention to detail to ensure beautiful colorwork and uniform color saturation. They are wrapped and gently steamed in large pots, left to cool to ensure complete dye saturation, and hung to dry naturally outdoors in the sun and gentle breezes of Rappahannock County , Virginia . They are then rinsed several times to remove any residual dye (though some, like red, tend to bleed slightly even after this process). Essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender are added to the final rinse to deter pests.
Spirit Trail Fiberworks yarns and fibers are all handpainted as “variegated,” “softly variegated” and “semi-solid”. Variegated yarns include 3 to 6 complementary colors and are painted so that transitions between colors are subtle and blended rather than rigid and segmented. Softly Variegated yarns are created using only two colors which are significantly blended together for a very subtle exchange of color. Semi-Solids are dyed with one color, but because of our dye methods subtle color changes and tonal variety are created during the dye process to create depth and shading.
Because of the artistic nature of our dye process, some variation will occur between dyelots. Colors are mixed and applied by hand in an organic and personal process, and may not be handpainted in exactly the same way each time.
Each batch is truly unique, and will produce an equally unique garment. For this reason, it is especially important to purchase enough yarn to complete your project, plus a little extra for good measure.
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