Frequently Asked Questions
THE GARMENTS
Are the pieces really one of a kind? Yes. Every piece is hand-crocheted by me individually, there is no production line, no duplicates, and no two pieces are ever the same. Once a piece is sold, it will not be remade.
How do I know what size to choose? Each product page includes the specific measurements of that piece. Because every item is handmade individually, sizing can vary slightly from piece to piece. If you are unsure, get in touch at info@umbruma.com before ordering and I will help you find the right fit.
Can I request a custom piece or commission? Not yet, but this is coming.
How should I wash my piece? All pieces are made from natural fibres and need some care. Hand wash in cold water using a wool-specific detergent or something pH neutral and free of enzymes. Avoid wringing, rubbing or twisting the product. Natural fibres especially wool and other protein animals are very resistant to dirt and wear. You don’t need to wash them often only a few times a year or when there’s an active/recent stain on it.
How do I dry it?. Grab a towel and place the product on it, fold the towel and product in like a burrito then squeeze to get the excess water out. Then lay flat to dry on a dry towel, reshaping the piece gently while it is still damp. Never hang a wet knit or crochet piece, the weight of the water will stretch it out of shape. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Can I machine wash it? No. Natural fibres, especially wool, alpaca and mohair, will felt and shrink irreversibly in the machine if washed with heat and friction. Hand wash only.
What about pieces with mohair? Mohair is particularly delicate. Wash it as infrequently as possible, airing the piece out between wears is usually enough. When you do wash it, be extra gentle and avoid any agitation.
Can I iron or steam the pieces? Steam very gently if needed, keeping the iron at a safe distance and never pressing directly onto the fabric. Most pieces will not need ironing if laid flat to dry correctly.
How do I store them? Fold rather than hang. Store in a breathable bag or drawer, away from direct light. A cedar block or lavender sachet nearby will help protect against moths naturally, ( always check for moths from time to time)
The piece has a small pull or loose stitch — what do I do? Do not pull it. Use a blunt tapestry needle to gently ease the stitch back into place from the inside. If you are unsure, contact me at info@umbruma.com and I will advise.
MATERIALS, FIBRES & SUSTAINABILITY
What materials do you use? Only natural, biodegradable fibres, wool, merino, alpaca, mohair, silk, cotton, linen, nettle and others depending on the piece. Every fibre I work with is renewable and will return to the earth at the end of its life. I never use synthetic fibres.
Why does it matter that the fibres are natural? Synthetic fibres like polyester, acrylic, nylon, shed microplastics every time they are washed, contributing to ocean and soil pollution. They do not biodegrade. Natural fibres do none of this. They are also more breathable, more durable, and more beautiful with age.
Where do the materials come from? Mostly from small Spanish producers, shepherds, farms and independent dyers I know personally or have sourced directly. Some fibres come from small French and Italian producers I have met at yarn festivals. Every product page includes a full traceability section explaining exactly where each fibre comes from, who raised the animals, and how the yarn was made.
Do you know the animals the wool comes from? In some cases, yes. For certain pieces you will find the names of the individual goats whose mohair went into the yarn. Traceability is one of Umbruma’s core values, the closer I can get to the source, the more honestly I can tell the story of each piece.
What is transhumance? Transhumance is the ancient practice of moving livestock seasonally between pastures, typically from lowland winter grazing to mountain summer pastures and back. It is one of the most sustainable and animal-friendly farming systems that exists, and several of the producers I work with still practice it today.
What are natural dyes? Natural dyes are pigments extracted from plants, minerals or insects rather than synthetic chemicals. Some pieces in umbruma are dyed using plants like weld (gualda), indigo, tagetes (marigold), palo campeche, and many more. Natural dyes produce colours that are alive and slightly variable, they evolve gently over time rather than fading uniformly, and each dyed skein is unique.
Are the fibres certified? Several fibres carry OEKO-TEX 100 certification, which independently verifies that the yarn is free of harmful substances at every stage of production. Where certifications exist, they are noted on the product page.
Do you work with animal welfare in mind? Yes, it is a condition of sourcing. I only work with producers who raise their animals in extensive, low-stress farming systems. Several of the farms I work with go beyond standard welfare requirements, raising their animals in semi-freedom on regeneratively managed land.
ORDERS, SHIPPING & RETURNS
How do I place an order? Through the website, add the piece to your cart and follow the checkout process. Payment is accepted by card, PayPal and Stripe.
Where do you ship? Currently within the European Union only.
How long does delivery take? Orders are shipped via DHL. Delivery times vary by destination within the EU — you will receive tracking information as soon as your order is dispatched.
How is the piece packaged? Each piece is carefully wrapped and packaged with the same care that went into making it. There’s an outer box to protect the product box with the product inside and sometimes filled with shredded cardboard. All material used for the packaging are 100 % from recycled paper and sourced locally near Barcelona.
Can I return a piece? Yes. Under EU consumer law you have the right to return your order within 14 days of receiving it, for any reason. The piece must be returned unworn, unwashed and in its original condition.
Who pays for return shipping? Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer unless the piece arrived damaged or incorrect.
What if my piece arrives damaged? Please contact me at info@umbruma.com within 72 hours of receiving your order, with photos of the damage, and I will resolve it with you directly.
How long does a refund take? Once the returned piece is received and inspected, refunds are processed within 5–7 business days to the original payment method.
CONTACT & STUDIO
How can I get in touch? By email at info@umbruma.com — I read and answer every message personally.
Can I visit the studio? Studio visits are not available at the moment.
Do you do workshops or events? Not currently, but follow Umbruma on Instagram to stay updated on anything that might be coming.