Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for stopping by Wool & Hide! Every piece is thoughtfully handcrafted, and because handmade work is unique, you may have a few questions before placing an order. Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about our products, custom orders, workshops, shipping, and care. If you don't see what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out, I'd love to hear from you.
Felted - Wool Animals
Q1. How can I clean the dust off my needle-felted animals?
A. Do not use water or a vacuum to clean them. Moisture and suction can damage the delicate creatures. Instead, gently blow the dust off with a hair dryer set to low, no heat.
Q2. If my animal looks fuzzy, can I brush it?
A. You can use a pair of sharp, small scissors to clip away any stray fibers. Or you
can use a fine-gauge felting needle (40-42) and gently poke the loose hairs back in.
Q3. How do I protect my felted wool pieces from moths or other insects?
A. Use natural repellents. Moths hate the smell of cedar, lavender, cloves, and rosemary. Add cedar blocks or sachets of dried lavender or a few drops of cedar essential oils.
Q4. Can I place my woolen items in a sunny window?
A. We recommend placing them in a shady area, away from direct sunlight. Like any natural product, the sun can fade the colors of the wool.
Q5. Can I wash my needle-felted animal if it gets dirty?
A. If your animal gets dirty, use a damp cloth with mild detergent to gently spot-
clean the area. Handle gently without rough scrubbing. Gently blot; do not rub.
Q6. Are needle-felted animals meant to be children’s toys?
A. Generally, needle-felted animals are not recommended as toys for young children or babies but can be safe as gentle room décor or for older children. Some felted creatures are crafted with an internal wire armature, glass or plastic eyes, and/or clay horns or hooves, and are not suitable for young children or rough play. We have a special line of children’s comfort creatures made entirely from wool.
These can be used gently as a comfort to a hurting or sick child. A few drops of essential oils can be applied to the animal to help with discomfort (e.g., spearmint, which aids digestion and can ease car sickness; lemon eucalyptus to strengthen the immune system; chamomile to calm, etc.).
Moccasins
Q. 1. How long can I expect my moccasins to last?
A. Our moccasins can hold up to a lot of walking outdoors, whether in the woods
or on asphalt. They can be re-soled as many times as needed with either leather or a thin layer of rubber. In cold winter climates, a wool insole is recommended.
Q. 2. What if I usually struggle to find the right shoe size?
A. We understand the worry about not being able to try on your shoes when ordering online. This is why we ask for specific measurements as well as the outline of your feet. You can find the details of how to measure HERE.
Q. 3. What if I have an unusual foot shape, like bunions, or if one foot is a different size than the other?
A. The measurements we require will ensure the best fit. If your two feet are not the same size or shape, simply take measurements for each foot and document them.
Q. 4. What are your moccasins made of?
A. Our moccasins are made of 100% leather, apart from beads for trim or added thin rubber soles. Leather is durable, sustainable, and beautiful. We do not use faux
leather, vegan leather, or synthetic ‘leather’ products.
Q. 5. When can an outsole be added?
A. An outsole can be added to the bottoms of your moccasins as soon as you
can see your footprint under your moccasins. Adding the outsole too soon will result in poor adhesion.
Q. 6. How do I care for my moccasins?
A. Your moccasins will not be damaged by getting wet or muddy. Cleaning is easy, and they can withstand years of intensive wear if you care for them with re-soling and leather balm.
Q. 7. Where can I get the outsoles and leather balm?
A. We can supply you with a Care-Kit, either when you order your moccasins or later. This will include the leather or thin rubber outsole, instructions for attaching it to your moccasins, as well as a recipe for homemade leather balm.