All raw yarns, which Heathland Knits uses as a basis for dyeing, are produced either in Germany or the United Kingdom according to environmental and social standards.

If the yarn contains merino wool, the sheep were kept without mulesing. Mulesing is the removal of the skin around the tail of sheep without anaesthesia (stunning) while the sheep is fixated on its back in an apparatus. It is a common practice in Australia to prevent a parasitic fly infection (Wikipedia). This is causing physical and psychological trauma to the sheep. We reject this practice.

The Bluefaced Leicester (BFL) wool of the used raw yarns comes from the United Kingdom. The wool of the alpacas comes from Suri Alpacas from Peru.

Instead of the usual nylon fibers, it is important to us to have plant-based alternatives in the yarns. Instead of nylon, some yarns therefore contain ramie, linen or Tencel. The linen fibers come from the Baltic States. Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is a tropical nettle plant (Urticaceae). Ramie gives the yarn a certain sheen. Tencel is made from eucalyptus and belongs to group of Lycocell. The eucalyptus comes from France and is processed for the raw yarns in Austria.

Find in depth information about all the used fibers on the following pages:

• BFL DK
• Pure Merino Mini – DK
• Pure Merino Sport
• Pure Merino 4-ply
• Fine Merino Single
• Rooted Merino
• Rustic Sock
• Feather

Yarn Usage and Care

How to handle the yarn best …

Color Inspiration

Colors inspired by nature …

Dyeing Process

A look behind the scenes …