Why I Do Things Differently 

​Working with a pet’s hair is deeply personal, and it deserves a level of care that goes far beyond standard fiber work. Over many years, I’ve developed an approach that balances sentiment, fiber science, and long-term usability. Every decision I make — from how the fiber is prepared, to whether blending is recommended, to how the yarn is spun and finished — is made with one goal in mind: creating something that honors your pet and stands the test of time. My process may look different from what you’ll see elsewhere, but it’s rooted in experience, intention, and respect for how meaningful these pieces truly are.

What This Means for You

​It means you can trust that the recommendations I make are based on experience, not convenience. If I suggest blending, adjusting structure, or steering away from a particular approach, it’s because I’m thinking about how your yarn or keepsake will behave over time — not just how it looks on day one. My goal is always to help you make an informed decision and to create something you can hold, use, and treasure without worry.

Why Blending is Sometimes Part of the Process

​One of the most common questions I’m asked is whether a yarn or keepsake can be made using only a pet’s hair. Sometimes the answer is yes — and when the fiber supports it, I’m thrilled to do so. Other times, blending a small amount of carefully chosen fiber is the only way to create a piece that holds together, resists felting or breakage, and remains usable over time. Blending isn’t about replacing your pet’s hair or diluting its presence; it’s a structural decision made to support the fiber and protect the finished piece.

A Special Note About Cat Hair

​Cat hair is a completely different fiber on a structural level and requires extra care to work with successfully. While it can be incredibly soft, it is also highly prone to felting and fiber migration — even during the spinning or stitching process itself. When spun on its own, cat hair has a strong tendency to lock together during processing, when stitching with it, or over time once a piece is finished. It is unpredictable and relies on a carefully selected companion fiber to mitigate that risk and create a usable yarn. 

Even Blended Yarn is Still a Specialty Yarn

​Blending adds important stability — it reduces breakage, limits excessive shedding, and helps the yarn hold together more reliably. That said, yarn made from pet hair will never behave like a commercial mill-spun yarn, even when blended.

Pet fiber lacks the uniformity, elasticity, and internal structure of conventional wool yarns. As a result, these yarns are best handled gently, worked with intention, and used in ways that honor their unique nature. They may feel different in the hands, respond differently to tension, and show more character and variation than factory-spun yarn — and that’s part of what makes them special.
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Blending doesn’t erase those qualities; it simply makes the yarn more usable and more resilient over time.

For Those Who Want to Learn More

​If you’re curious about the technical side of fiber behavior — including topics like halo, felting, guard hair, and why certain fibers behave the way they do — I’ve created a separate education page that explains these concepts in more detail.

A Final Thought

​Every piece I create is shaped by both craft and care. I don’t aim to make pet hair behave like something it isn’t — I aim to work honestly with the fiber, respect its limits, and create something meaningful that will last. If my approach feels thoughtful, a little different, and grounded in intention, then we’re likely a good fit.

For those who want to learn more about the intention and love behind my work, you can visit my Blog, Entwined.
For those who want to learn more about fiber behavior, you can visit my Fiber Education page.