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CONTACT ME

I would love to hear from you: kate@thelesserbear.com

Frequently asked questions

Please let us know if there is a problem with your order. Do not return items without contacting us with your concerns first. Only unused items, with prior approval will be accepted for a refund or exchange. Custom made items are not returnable, but rest assured that we take great care to make the highest quality ribbons and linens. 

Orders are packed and shipped within 1-3 business days. Please choose your preferred shipping method at checkout. Carriers include USPS*, UPS and DHL. Shipping costs and delivery times are dependent on your chosen shipper and shipment speed, final costs will be calculated at checkout.

*Due to circumstances at the USPS, we cannot guarantee shipping speeds as quoted by USPS, and will not be accepting returns based on delays cause by the USPS. We pack and ship all orders in a timely manner, but have noticed that many packages are not arriving at their destination on time. If you have chosen an insured shipping method via USPS, please contact your local post office for shipping fee refunds, due to any delays. 

Yes, but we cannot guarantee or track deliveries outside of the US. The purchaser will be responsible for all applicable taxes and duties.

Habotai silk is soft and lustrous, and has a beautiful airy flow and drape. Crepe de Chine silk, has a lightly crinkled texture and a graceful drape, with slightly more weight than Habotai. Silk Gauze is similar to chiffon, but lighter. It is sheer and floats with the breeze. Read more information on how to choose your ribbon.

Yes, each ribbon is hand dyed, in small batches, pressed and wrapped around our custom spools, by me, in The Lesser Bear studio.

I use natural dyes for many reasons. The most important reason is the impact of the dyes on the environment. Chemical dyes used in most textile production are sources of pollution to water systems and soil, and can have impacts on the health of the artist using the dye as well. I use a combination of locally foraged plant materials, flowers and plants grown in my home garden and at my native orchard and prairie, as well as ethically sourced natural dyes. It is a joy to me to experiment with flowers, pine cones, tree bark and so many more items from nature, to come up with beautiful colors for your projects and events.

It is important to note, when working with natural dyes and dye materials, that color variations may occur throughout the length of a ribbon or fabric and from dye batch to dye batch. This is part of the beauty of naturally dyed fabrics, and gives depth, uniqueness and richness to each ribbon, quilt or table linen.

Please note that ribbons, while in use, should be kept dry at all times, as with any new fabric, colors may bleed when wet.

Time allowing, I would love to work with you to create custom colors specifically for your needs. Please send me an email to discuss your vision. I would also be happy to discuss commissioned designs for quilts or table linens.

Yes, they can be washed by hand, or in the washing machine, on the gentle cycle. Use only pH neutral detergents. Hang to dry, or dry on low heat. If needed, iron linens with low heat, or steam out wrinkles. Fading will be evident over time, as with any dye technique.

FAQs, Shipping and Return Policies

What is your return policy?

Please let us know if there is a problem with your order. Do not return items without contacting us with your concerns first. Only unused items, with prior approval will be accepted for a refund or exchange. Custom made items are not returnable, but rest assured that we take great care to make the highest quality ribbons and linens. 

Shipping Policies

What is your shipping time?

Orders are packed and shipped within 1-3 business days. Please choose your preferred shipping method at checkout. Carriers include USPS*, UPS and DHL. Shipping costs and delivery times are dependent on your chosen shipper and shipment speed, final costs will be calculated at checkout.

*Due to circumstances at the USPS, we cannot guarantee shipping speeds as quoted by USPS, and will not be accepting returns based on delays cause by the USPS. We pack and ship all orders in a timely manner, but have noticed that many packages are not arriving at their destination on time. If you have chosen an insured shipping method via USPS, please contact your local post office for shipping fee refunds, due to any delays. 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, but we cannot guarantee or track deliveries outside of the US. The purchaser will be responsible for all applicable taxes and duties.

Other FAQs

What is the difference between Habotai, Crepe de Chine and Silk Gauze?

Habotai silk is soft and lustrous, and has a beautiful airy flow and drape. Crepe de Chine silk, has a lightly crinkled texture and a graceful drape, with slightly more weight than Habotai. Silk Gauze is similar to chiffon, but lighter. It is sheer and floats with the breeze. Read more information on how to choose your ribbon.

 

Are your ribbons made by hand?

Yes, each ribbon is hand dyed, in small batches, pressed and wrapped around our custom spools, by me, in The Lesser Bear studio.

 

Why do you use natural dyes?

I use natural dyes for many reasons. The most important reason is the impact of the dyes on the environment. Chemical dyes used in most textile production are sources of pollution to water systems and soil, and can have impacts on the health of the artist using the dye as well. I use a combination of locally foraged plant materials, flowers and plants grown in my home garden and at my native orchard and prairie, as well as ethically sourced natural dyes. It is a joy to me to experiment with flowers, pine cones, tree bark and so many more items from nature, to come up with beautiful colors for your projects and events.

It is important to note, when working with natural dyes and dye materials, that color variations may occur throughout the length of a ribbon or fabric and from dye batch to dye batch. This is part of the beauty of naturally dyed fabrics, and gives depth, uniqueness and richness to each ribbon, quilt or table linen.

Please note that ribbons, while in use, should be kept dry at all times, as with any new fabric, colors may bleed when wet. 

Do you do custom orders?

Time allowing, I would love to work with you to create custom colors specifically for your needs. Please send me an email to discuss your vision. I would also be happy to discuss commissioned designs for quilts or table linens.

 

Are The Lesser Bear linens washable?

Yes, they can be washed by hand, or in the washing machine, on the gentle cycle. Use only pH neutral detergents. Hang to dry, or dry on low heat. If needed, iron linens with low heat, or steam out wrinkles. Fading will be evident over time, as with any dye technique.

 

Do you participate in styled shoots or editorials?

We do participate in a limited number of styled shoots per year. Please read instructions for shoots here, prior to contacting us.

 

 

 

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