Question from Mandy

Hi there, I’m having a lot of difficulty finding some answers to my questions about wool. I’m really hoping that you (or your readers) can help me to find some answers to my questions concerning wool and yarn that is meant to be used for children’s and babies clothing, toys and craft activities.

The more I look into this the more confused I become!

When looking at organic wool yarns, would yarn dyed using “natural substances and dyed without the use of acid based chemicals” be preferable to “low impact acid dyes”?

I’ve found two companies in the U.S. that offer organic yarn but are dyed using different methods, both seem to have great products.

What poses more danger to the health of a child (particularly toddlers who put everything in their mouths), the wool or the chemicals used to dye it?

Would it be better to focus on organic wool or standard wool made with safer dyes?

Debra’s Answer

With regard to dyes, “natural substances without the use of acid based chemicals” would be preferable to “low impact acid dyes.” Here’s why. Natural substances come from living things–plants, animals and minerals–whereas low impact dyes are made from petrochemicals. Natural dyes are just more biocompatible, particularly for a baby. They are the real thing.

The Swans Island baby blankets look totally safe to me as well as beautiful, and they are using local wool. O-wool would be second choice because of use of imported wool and petrochemical dyes (though they get points for using low impact dyes).

Would it be better to focus on organic wool or safer dyes? I think they are about equal in importance. Best would be organic wool with natural dyes.

With regard to wool for craft activities, you can get undyed organic wool from Shepherd’s Dream.

Actually just received a newsletter from them announcing their crafting scraps on the very day your question came in!

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