Allure Fine Fiber and Fabric Wash Developer Eileen Koop of Bijou Basin Ranch visited with the Yarn Thing 
Podcast with Marly Bird this morning. Bijou Basin Ranch is one of the smart folks who sponsor the podcast so it’s always nice to catch up and find out what’s new for the upcoming year!
Eileen Koop has a background in product development for consumer product companies, beginning in New Jersey for Airwick Industries (now called Reckitt Benckiser), then to Collegate-Palmolive, then to Colorado with Scotts Liquid Gold and then Orange Glo International. When she first started out, besides product testing, she invented a breath spray called Binaca. later came Collegate Gell toothpaste, Brut aftershave men’s cologne with Karl Lagerfeld, and the Alpha Hydroxy, invented anti-aging skin care category.
While at Orange Glo, it was sold and as an executive she received a nice financial package, which she then needed to invest. So she and Carl bought a ranch and then began researching what to do with it agriculturally. Carl discovered YAKS, and Eileen used her contacts to develop yak fiber and yarns. She also used her chemical background and researched how to get stains out of fibers and fabrics. She researched this so that her finished yarns had a soft feel and therefore more sale-able, which then became Allure Fine Fiber Wash.
Eileen explained how it works as a no-rinse product. The wash lifts the oils from the fabric into the water and when it’s drained the oils and dirt go away. It also has an agent that smooths the fiber rather than leaving the fiber standing up. Some cleaning products uses optical whiteners which makes the eye think because it’s brighter that it’s cleaner, and amazingly is used in some products that considered fine washes or even baby’s clothing washes. She is careful with chemicals and fragrances. Prairie Breeze is lavender and citrus scents, and the Woodland is sandalwood, a bit a eucalyptus with cypress, vanilla and jasmine. For those who are strictly Scent-sensitive there is the unscented option as well. AND is machine or hand soak compatible, even the HE machines, still can be taken through TSA if necessary.
Eileen continues to consider other products like hand-moisturizers, but is continuing to market Allure to everyone, in a range of sizes. She credits Carl with having come up with the name.
Bijou Basin Ranch has some wonderful videos of their Yaks, so to include them in the show notes, here is the link to their YouTube channel, there are three videos created by Interweave. Watch them with your kids!
If you missed hearing this earlier, it is available in the archive: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2015/03/05/allure-fine-fiber-and-fabric-wash-developer-eileen-koop-of-bijou-basin-ranch or in iTunes.
I found this podcast interview with Eileen Koop very interesting. I just finished a pair of yak mitts (yarn from Bijou Basin Ranch) that i need to use my fiber wash on. I can’t wait to smell and feel how wonderful they will be once dried.
Wonderful and informative interview!
I have always been a little hesitant about using fiber wash that is “no rinse”, but the explanation in this show puts me a little more at ease with washing my knitted items with that concept. The descriptions of the scented Allure give me a better idea what I may want to try; I’m not a fan of strong scents (mostly due to allergies), but sometimes do like a teensy bit of fragrance.
We have a yak rug (probably a blend of yak and another fiber actually) and I have some Lhasa Wilderness yarn from BBR. I made a cowl for my niece from the yarn — I’m hoping she has worn it a lot this winter walking to classes on a college campus. I will likely use some more of that yarn to make one for myself as I love the colors and the yarn itself!
I forgot to put in the code for the Allure — I was just so excited to see the show notes up. LOL The code is “fiber wash”
Pick me, pick ME! I would love to try this new fiber wash. Eileen is a transplanted Jersey Girl, like myself. I loved hearing you two chit chat. May I say it again…PICK ME! LOL
I need some sweet smelling fiber wash for the full bag of dirty hand made socks I need to wash!!!
Fun podcast! The story of the development of Allure fiber wash was fascinating!
pmack17 on rav
I met Carl and Eileen at the fiber fest in Ridgeway, CO this past October. I got a sample of their new fiber wash when I bought my yarn for Marlys Shangri la shawl. Haven’t knit it yet and am saving my precious sample for this project. Would be nice to have more to use on other projects. Great conversation to listen in on as usual.
Today’s pod cast was very informative. I did’t even think about the fiber wash that I used for my non-wool animal fiber products. I am going to have to try some Allure Fiber Wash.
Very interesting podcast. I enjoyed hearing how this new fiber wash came to be. I’ll be looking for Allure when I’m at a LYS.
I learned so much about fiber wash in this episode thanks for explaining so much about how soil and oils are lifted from the fiber and how lanolin isn’t great for fine fibers. Also I love how soft and warm Bijou Basin Ranch Himalayan Trail yarn is. I am knitting a sweater and I am hoping to finish so I can keep warm in the Northeast.
I really enjoyed hearing about Eileen’s background and how this new fiber wash was developed. Would love to try some (and would love to win some!).
Fiber wash!!!
What a fascinating show. I love hearing the back story. I will be at DFW fiber fest next week and will definitely stop at Bijou booth and smell the fiber wash in person!
What a fantastic interview!!! I have been looking for a new fiber wash…the one I use now I do not like the smell of it once it gets on the wool.
What a great show! T’was both entertaining and educational. One thing I now know: Win or lose, I will get some Allure fiber wash!
It was really interesting to hear about how this fiber wash works and its properties. I would love to try some out!
Great podcast! It’s so interesting to hear peoples stories. I bet the Fiber Wash smells and works great.
What a fast-paced and information packed podcast! I found Eileen’s story fascinating, including how she brought all that consumer industry experience to work on this new fiber wash. I am looking forward to trying it out not only for her sake, but also for my fibers’ sake. Thanks for the podcast Marly, you and Tammy do a great job.
I am originally a Jersey girl too! I am so anxious to try the Allure fiber wash in both scents. The two of you made the fragrances sound so appealing! And I could use the unscented for some of my little granddaughters hand knits. Thank you in advance for picking me. ☺️
I don’t think my original comment went through (or sorry for the duplicate!)…
The interview with Eileen was fascinating – I enjoyed hearing about her career and how she thoughtfully developed the fiber wash. Very interested in trying it now, especially since it is rinse-free (I have some non-knits that would benefit from it). Would especially love to win some!
I loved hearing about all of the science that went into making the fiber wash. Who knew different chemicals had such affects on different fibers. I can’t wait to try some.
I was fascinated by this show. I always love to hear how things work. Now I know about how fiber wash works. Not at all intuitive.
I just started using fiber wash this year and I love the way it makes my hand knits feel and how easy it is to use. But, I am not particularly fond of how everything I own now smells like sheep. I was very excited to hear about Allure and am definitely going to check it out.
Wonderful and informative interview!
I have always been a little hesitant about using fiber wash that is “no rinse”, but the explanation in this show puts me a little more at ease with washing my knitted items with that concept. The descriptions of the scented Allure give me a better idea what I may want to try; I’m not a fan of strong scents (mostly due to allergies), but sometimes do like a teensy bit of fragrance. I’d love to give Allure a try — the code is “fiber wash” for the giveaway.
We have a yak rug (probably a blend of yak and another fiber actually) and I have some Lhasa Wilderness yarn from BBR. I made a cowl for my niece from the yarn — I’m hoping she has worn it a lot this winter walking to classes on a college campus. I will likely use some more of that yarn to make one for myself as I love the colors and the yarn itself!
Thanks for a great show! I loved hearing about Allure fiber wash for two reasons: First, I love the product, and use it on my treasured knits. Second, I also am/was a product development chemist, and also worked with detergents! My work wasn’t as exciting as Eileen’s, primarily because I was locked into the automotive industry based on my geography! Hopefully, Eileen will share my philosophy of ‘better living through chemistry,’ and show me some Allure love! : )
I had no idea that bijou had there own fiber wash! I definitely want to give that a try. Interesting podcast!!!
Stephanie
Can’t wait to sniff this alluring Allure fiberwash!
Very interesting story about the fiber wash. Would love to try a sample.
Great interview! What an interesting story of many success leading to this creative and independent career. I had no idea how fiber wash worked, now I do. Next fiber wash I get will be Allure.
I didn’t realize that certain fiber washes were not good for all fibers. Thank you for the interview with Eileen. it was fascinating learning about product development, especially Allure. It made my head spin.
What a great show! I’m going to need to try some Allure fiber wash.
What an interesting background story of Eileen as a chemist! Now I understand more about fiber washes and will look for her Allure product! Thanks, Marly!
Very interesting show! So much useful information. I definitely want to try the fiber wash.
I learned so much about fiber washes from this episode. I will be looking for her Allure fiber wash to try.
I didn’t know I shouldn’t use a fiber wash for wool on my Yak fiber Fir Trees Cowl! Now I need some “Mountain Mist” for that, it sounds wonderful. I always learn on lot on your podcasts.
I learned a lot about fiber washes, and can’t wait to try Allure fiber wash. Good interview.
Marly, loved this podcast, as i do all of them. However, I have a question for you to ask all fiber wash people from now on. I could be dumb but whenever I look at a bottle for usage directions and until this one that worked in washing machines and gave a measurement i could extrapolate, when it says add a capfull of fiber wash to a sink, i have to wonder. What size sink? Are we talking bathroom sink that is a a couple gallons at most, a 5 gallon kitchen sink, or a 15 gallon laundry sink? This makes a big difference in the longevity of the bottle purchased and the cleanliness of the sweaters soaked.
I would love to try this fiber wash. Enjoyed the podcast (as usual).
Lmecoll on Ravelry
It seemed appropriate that I was dehairing cashmire as I listened to this episode. I will definitely need to get some Allure fiber wash for it and my other fine fibers.
Thank you for a great show. The fiber wash Allure sounds wonderful. It was really interesting to hear her explain how a fiber wash really works on the different types of yarns. I hope I can try it out soon.
I found it interesting to hear about how a fiber wash was created. I liked how you described the lifting of stains instead of brightening, rethinking other products now. Just got my email might need to buy some of I don’t win, fingers crossed. Really enjoyed the show. Great as always!
The Allure sounds fabulous! I so enjoyed your podcast again today, and have already visited allurewash.com. I cannot wait to try the fiber wash!
I have always been concerned about a fiber wash that does not require rinsing…..it was great to hear the explanation of why this one doesn’t! I look forward to trying some allure!
Such an interesting guest! The fiber wash sounds perfect for the sweater I am knitting. Thank you!
It was so interesting to hear about Eileen’s career. What a fascinating woman!
Now I’m off to replenish my fiber wash supply.
I loved hearing the explanation of the no rinse process. How nice to have a fiber wash with only good ingredients that lift the dirt and leave behind only goodness. And Eileen, what a career she has had and continues to have!
It was fascinating to hear how the fiber wash works. It was great to learn about all the things that Eileen has done in her career. I love hearing about her design process for the product.
Fiber wash, can’t wait to try this product!
I enjoyed the show and hearing about how the fiber wash products work. It was interesting to hear how products are developed.
Hello All!
I LOOOOVED THIS PODCAST!!!!
Marly do you think you can have more podcasts on the science and history of all things in the fibre arts world? That would be sooo awesome!
I definitely will try Eileen’s fiber wash…it sounds yummy!
I loved the feel of the alpaca fiber that was available at stitches west.
Who knew the inventor of Binaca would also dream up a fiber wash that would also be so loved?
Love Bijou Basin Yarn and did not realize it required different fiber wash than other fibers. Great offer ladies!!
I would love to try the new Allure fiber wash! Thank you.
Interesting podcast! Thanks Marly and Eileen. Enter me for fiber wash sweepstakes!
Lots of good information in this podcast. I had never heard of the allure fiberwash and now I am very excited to try it.
I really enjoyed the show and would love to try some of the Allure fiber wash. It sounds awesome, and hearing about the process behind it was so interesting!
Short but sweet podcast, Marly! Eileen is intelligent and creative – an excellent guest. I will be buying some Allure fiber wash for the socks I’m making (a Marly Bird pattern, of course!) from the yak fiber my lovely sisters gave me for my birthday.
Of course I’d be thrilled to have some fantastic new fiber wash for the special Qiviut cowl I’m about to cast on. But more than that, I wanted to write a quick not to tell you and Eileen how inspiring the interview was for me. I’ve been seriously considering a career change, and hearing about Eileen’s ability to transfer her skills and talents to a new field helps me get that much closer to making the jump myself. Thanks!
I was so interested in this podcast, it was so interesting to hear about Eileen’s background and development of her fiber wash. I want to try some, but first I need to get some of their yarn!