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Glossary
Auction
A sale open to members of the fur trade where fur is sold in lots to the highest bidder.
Auction houses
There are nine main international fur auction houses. In Europe fur is sold at Kopenhagen Fur (Denmark), Finnish Fur Sales (Finland), Oslo Fur Auctions (Norway) and Sojuzpushnina (Russia). In North America, the main international auction houses are American Legend Auctions (Seattle), Fur Harvesters Auction Inc (Ontario), North American Fur Auctions (Ontario) and Western Canadian Raw Fur Auction Sales Limited (Vancouver).
Dyeing
In addition to natural tones, all furs can be dyed to create vibrant fashion colours or special effects. Furs can also be "tip-dyed" or "blended" to produce a more consistent colour.
Grading
The process to sort the furs into graded lots for sale at auction. Furs are graded according to size, colour and texture, fur density and length, and "primeness" (the degree of development of the winter pelt).
Knitting
A knittable yarn is created by cutting narrow strips of fur and twisting it with colour cotton so that the leather is on the inside, covering the cotton, and the fur surrounds the reinforced centre. Can be knitted, crocheted, woven or used as trim.
Leathering
Involves alternating leather, ribbon or cloth strips with fur strips to reduce the volume and weight of the garment.Plucking
This technique is used to emphasise the soft underhair of the fur, plucking the longer "guard" hairs that protect the under fur.
Processing/Dressing
Cleaning, softening, preserving and drying the pelts before they are sent to manufacturers to be made into garments.
Shearing
A technique used to trim the fur to a short pile, sometimes as low as 0.5mm. It can also be used to sculpt intricate shapes and patterns into the underfur.
Weaving
New technique mixing fur with other fabrics such as wool and lace, expanding the possible uses in design.
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