FAQ

Do you do custom yarn orders?

Absolutely! If you have a particular colour combination, yarn base or project in mind, I’m happy to chat about creating something especially for you. Just send me an email at inspiredbymargot@outlook.com.au and we can discuss what you’re after.

The colourway I’m after is out of stock. Can you make more?

In many cases, yes! I’m always happy to recreate a colourway where possible. Because each batch is hand dyed, there can sometimes be slight variations in shade between dye lots, so a recreated colourway may not be an exact match to the original.

If you’re working on a larger project, I recommend ordering enough yarn from the same dye lot where possible.

I love one of your colourways, but it’s not available on the yarn base I want. Can you get it?

I have access to a range of yarn bases from several suppliers, so I’m happy to see what I can find for you. Send me an email with the colourway and yarn base you’re looking for, and I’ll see what options are available.

I need more yarn than what’s currently in stock. Can I order it?

Absolutely! If you need more yarn than is currently available, just get in touch and I’ll see what I can do.

Some colourways are created purely for creative fun and don’t always have a recorded dye formula, which means they can’t always be recreated perfectly. However, for many colourways I can dye a fresh batch for you.

For larger orders, I’ll dye the yarn as a fresh batch wherever possible, helping to keep the colour consistent and minimise noticeable differences between dye lots.

What’s the difference between Ready to Ship and Made to Order?

Ready to Ship yarn is already dyed, dried and ready to head your way! These orders are generally packed and shipped within 1-2 business days.

Made to Order yarn is dyed especially for you, so it needs a little extra time before it can be packed and shipped. Turnaround is generally 2-5 business days, depending on the size of your order and how busy the dye studio is.

Because every skein is hand dyed, drying times can also vary depending on the weather - especially during those gloomy days where it is hard to dry yarns!

IBM Yarns is a small, one-person business, which means I’m the one behind the dye pots, drying racks, packing bench and post office runs! I always do my best to get your orders out as promptly as possible, but occasionally things like school holidays or particularly busy periods may add a little extra time to turnaround.

These delays are not common, but I really appreciate your understanding when they do happen. 💕

If your order contains both Ready to Ship and Made to Order yarn, your order will usually be shipped once everything is ready, unless you contact me to arrange a separate shipment.

If you have a particular deadline for your project, please get in touch before ordering and I’ll do my best to help.

Can you wind my yarn into a cake?

Yes! I offer a free cake winding service for cotton yarn.

As many cotton makers don't own a yarn swift and ball winder, I'm happy to wind your cotton yarn into a centre-pull cake before sending it to you. Just let me know when placing your order that you'd like your yarn wound. Unless winding is requested, your yarn will be sent as a skein. Simply add a note in the text box at checkout to let me know!

For wool yarn orders, cake winding is also available for a small additional fee of $1 per order, with no limit on the amount of yarn wound. Simply add the ball winding service to your cart when placing your order.

All yarn is carefully wound into centre-pull cakes, ready for you to get started on your next project! 

Will my yarn look exactly like the photos?

Because IBM Yarns is hand dyed in small batches, every skein has its own unique character. While I do my best to recreate colourways as consistently as possible, there can be slight variations between batches.

Colours can also appear slightly different depending on your screen, lighting and the way the yarn is photographed.

For larger projects, I recommend purchasing enough yarn from the same dye lot where possible. 

How should I care for my hand dyed yarn?

All new customers who order hand dyed yarn from us will receive a care instruction information sheet with their first order.

I recommend treating your hand dyed yarn with a little extra love. Always check the care instructions for the specific yarn base you're purchasing, as different fibres can have different requirements.

As a general rule, hand washing in cool or lukewarm water with a gentle wool or fibre wash is the safest option. Avoid harsh detergents, excessive agitation and high temperatures, and gently squeeze out excess water rather than wringing.

When drying, reshape your project and lay it flat where appropriate, away from direct heat or strong sunlight.

Will hand dyed yarn bleed?

Some colour bleeding can occur with hand dyed yarn, particularly with deep, highly saturated or darker colours. This is not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong with the yarn.

I recommend washing your finished project separately the first few times and following the care instructions for your specific yarn base. If you're combining very dark and very light colours in the same project, it's especially worth taking a little extra care when washing.

If you're unsure about a particular colourway or yarn base, please feel free to get in touch before starting your project, I'm always happy to help.

Still have questions?

I’m always happy to help! If you’re unsure about a yarn base, colourway or how much yarn you’ll need for your project, just send me an email at inspiredbymargot@outlook.com.au and we’ll work it out together.