over 300 colors
in 6 wool qualities
Our Passion: Quality, Color & a Relaxed Shopping Experience
We are passionate about combining high-quality standards in every shade and shape with a relaxed, joyful shopping experience.
Customer Satisfaction Comes First: Nothing means more to us than the happiness of our customers.
Where Tradition Meets a New Generation
After 20 years of passionate dedication to wool and the creation of over 300 unique colorways, the torch has been passed on: In January 2023, our son Tobias took over the family business. Having grown up with Wollmeise, he knows it inside out – and is now leading it into the future with care and commitment.
FROM ONE PAIR OF HANDS TO A FAMILY TEAM
The Name Behind the Brand: In everyday life, I’m Claudia Höll-Wellmann. But with the founding of Rohrspatz & Wollmeise in 2002, I became simply: the Wollmeise. Even though my husband – once the Rohrspatz – has since set aside his iron pavilion designs in favor of wool, the name has stayed with us. It’s grown close to our hearts, and we’re proud to carry it forward.
In the Beginning - There Was only the Needle: I began as a knitter. Always searching for the perfect yarn, the right pattern, and most importantly – the right color – I quickly realized how limited the options were. So I started dyeing my own yarn. And a whole new world opened up.
Playing with color offers endless possibilities. I’m constantly inspired by nature, by everyday life, and by the feelings certain moments evoke: Spice Market, Stormy Skies, Mouse Ballet. Sometimes, it takes time – like the velvety blue-violet of a real violet flower. I didn’t want just any purple. I wanted that one. And one day, I’ll capture the unique character of Blaukraut too. I’m still working on it.
Attention to Detail: When It Comes to Quality, I’m a Perfectionist I’m meticulous when selecting materials – only the best is good enough. We work according to exceptionally high quality standards. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the only one we accept.
The Other Half of the Name: His real name is Andreas Wellmann. With the founding of Rohrspatz & Wollmeise, he became the Rohrspatz. The name reflects both our close personal and professional bond – and our different passions and materials. Crafted with Steel – and Imagination I discovered ironwork early on, through an apprenticeship as a metalworker that led all the way to a master’s certificate. Though my professional path later diverged from workshop life, I found my way back to it through our garden – and through design.
While I deeply enjoy the process of working with my hands, for me, craftsmanship is a tool. A way to bring my ideas to life. Gardens – large or small – are becoming personal spaces of creativity and retreat. I aim to bring a third dimension to them, not just through surface design, but by filling vertical space with green and meaning.
Come visit us in Pfaffenhofen! Our cozy sofas are reserved for your knitting meet-ups every Friday and Saturday – we look forward to welcoming you.
Poststrasse 1, 85276 Pfaffenhofen/Ilm
support@rohrspatzundwollmeise.de
Mon. - Thurs.: 08:00 - 12:00
Fri. - Sat.: 09:00 - 14:00
Sunday: Closed
When we think of wool, we picture a ball of yarn or a cozy sweater. But wool can come from more than just sheep – goats, alpacas, yaks, even rabbits, cats, and silk moths contribute to the diversity of fibers.
A ball of wool is technically called yarn or thread, and it can be made from plant-based, animal, or synthetic fibers. Cotton and linen are common plant fibers. Among animal sources, sheep remain the most popular – with over 200 breeds offering everything from soft curls to robust fibers.
Yarn vs. Thread – What’s the Difference? Yarn is made by spinning together individual fibers. A single strand can contain 40 to 50 fibers! This yarn can then be used for knitting or weaving. If multiple yarns are twisted together, we get plied yarn (Zwirn in German), which is more durable and allows for more defined textures and color combinations. Each type of yarn has its purpose: single yarns can be soft and fluffy, while plied yarns are smoother and better for showcasing stitch patterns – perfect for socks, where durability counts. Today, most sock yarns are made from wool-polyamide blends for strength, though nothing beats the natural feel of 100% wool socks.
All our multicolor yarns are hand-dyed, meaning no two skeins are exactly alike. Even skeins with the same name may vary slightly in brightness or balance of color.
Tips for Multicolor Projects
For large projects, we recommend alternating two skeins every few rows – just like knitting stripes – to ensure a harmonious blend. If you're working with high-contrast colors, pre-arrange your skeins to balance light and dark areas evenly.
Our multicolor yarns create striped patterns (not spirals) in socks – a charming effect seen in colorways like: Flohmarkt, Aspentree, Auf dem roten Teppich, Daisy, Flower Power, Gewitterhimmel, Hoochie Mama, Indisch Rot, Iris Sibirica, Koralle im Meer, Maharani, Marias Deepest Purple, Martha, Peggy, Raku-Regenbogen, Regenbogen, Saami, Sultan, Tiefer See, Wichtelwalzer, Wilder Mohn.
Wool is a natural fiber and should be treated gently – just like your own hair. We recommend using liquid wool detergent. Powder detergents may not dissolve well at low temperatures and can leave residue on the fabric. Use detergent sparingly – wool has a natural protective layer and doesn't need deep cleaning. Often, simply airing it out is enough to refresh it.
Felting can be wonderful – but not when it happens by accident. Here's how to avoid: