New England Felting Supply

ABOUT OUR WOOLS

Q: Will you describe the size of the merino batts and the micron count of the fibers?

A: The one pound batts average 3’ x 4’ and we do our best to keep a continuous sheet, but sometimes we must make up the weight with a few loose pieces. This is not an issue because the fiber is short-fiber and nearly non-directional. “Short-fiber” merino wool is artificially chopped. Our batts average 18 micron.

Q: Why are there sometimes tiny bits of vegetation in some of the merino batts?

A: This is because it is not currently available any other way. Carbonizing wool, as is done with merino top for example, is expensive and therefore reserved for top quality spinning wools. In the wool industry, short-fiber merino not destined to be yarn isn’t put through the carbonization process. However from a feltmaking point of view, this wool is top grade. It’s extremely fast-felting and creates a very smooth, professional finish that is desirable for designer clothing. The vegetative bits are quite minor and can easily be brushed out of the surface of the finished felt.

Q: I’ve heard C-1 wool can be difficult to felt. Why is this?

A: This is a common misconception, especially when felters have only used merino wool. C-1 wool felts just fine, but it felts at a rate typical of medium to coarse wools. Making durable felt has a lot to do with the steady fulling. Larger diameter fibers always take longer to felt than finer wools and are also initially more water resistant. It’s a matter of adjusting our point of view from what should happen to what does happen when felting with wools other than merino.

Q: Why do people mix merino roving with C-1?

A: The blend makes a fantastic all-purpose felting wool. C-1 gives durability and structure to the mix so it will wear well over time without pilling. And merino makes the mix felt at a faster rate and fills in the spaces between the coarser C-1 fibers, resulting in a very strong but flexible felt. C-1 also add a slight sheen and using both wools means you have endless color mixing possibilities.

Q: I’ve been to your store and seen all of the Merino Combed Top colors. How do I order these and do you have a color book for them?

A: Yes, we offer Merino Combed Top in 120 colors. You may order several select colors online or call us at 413-527-1188 to order colors unavailable online. We also have a color book available for purchase online.

Q: I want to make a cobweb wool curtain. What is the difference between wools on your cobweb page?

A: Cobweb curtains are usually designed to show the curled texture of very thin, transparent felts. Long-stapled wools lend themselves well to this and although Wensleydale is the most common fiber used, it’s sometimes not widely available. Cotswold is a very similar wool and will felt in the same way, producing a large-curl cobweb.

WHOLESALE & DISCOUNTS

Q: Do you offer wholesale accounts?

A: Probably our #1 question! We are working toward offering wholesale discounts, but the program is not yet in place. We’re committed to making sure we have a steady supply of our products with no interruptions and reasonable turn around time when importing. If you would like to join our growing list of those interested in a wholesale account with us, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . and you will be notified as soon as the program is available.

Q: I noticed you have no quantity discounts, why is this?

A: At this time we are unable to offer quantity discounts due to the dramatic increase in shipping costs. We are working toward offering our customers and educational institutions quantity discounts in the future however, and are continually re-evaluating our cost structure.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

processing time:
We do our best to get your order packed and shipped the same day. However, please allow up to 3 business days from order date for your package to ship. In addition we will contact you via e-mail if there are any changes to your order or shipping estimates that need to be confirmed.

vacuum packing:
We use a vacuum packing system to ship our batting, which does not harm the wool and greatly reduces shipping costs for our customers. We recommend you open vacuum bags upon receipt unless you require a return.

shipping to US addresses:
All packages with US addresses are shipped via UPS or USPS. During the checkout process you can specify how you would like your order shipped. If you require express shipping, please call us and we'll be happy to accommodate you.

shipping outside the US:
Please call us to place your international order. Orders placed outside the US are shipped via USPS priority international since we have found this to be the most efficient and cost effective method. Customs may delay your shipment as regulations vary with every destination. Additional charges of duty, taxes and customs clearance are the sole responsibility of the recipient.

returns:
We want you to be happy with your purchase! We will accept returns (store credit or refund) on unopened goods and wool with notification within 7 days of receipt. Large returned orders will be subject to a restocking fee. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 413-527-1188 during business hours to make arrangements. If at the time your order was placed we are back ordered on a product we will contact you via e-mail to make alternative arrangements. In general, we will ship the item when it comes in or offer a substitution, store credit or refund on the product that is back ordered or unavailable. Please note that there are no returns on tools, needles, merino roving, and luxury fiber.

backorders and pre-orders:
From time to time, some items appear on our website with the option to  "backorder" or "pre-order". When the item becomes available, we will immediately contact you regarding shipping charges and then send it out as soon as possible. If a new order is pending or placed, we will include the backordered or pre-ordered item with the new order, if you prefer.