Among of the items I ordered from Knit Picks were some skeins of Bare, their undyed wool. What a bargain! Fingering Weight, 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% nylon, 462 yards for $6.29! (free shipping if order is over $50, which mine always is). It is actually quite lovely in its bare state. Given the "hobby gene" that runs in my family, it is incredible that I have never in my knitting or former spinning life, dyed even one little bit of wool. No, I was not going to GO THERE. It was another world of chemicals, pots, mordants, and a load of paraphernalia that I did not want to deal with. Then some time ago along came dyeing with Kool-Aid, to which I gave a cursory nod. Can you tell what I am leading up to?
First I read through quite a few tutorials online, all of which varied somewhat in approach. Since microwaves and I don't get along real well lately (I've ruined two), I chose the crock pot method. Armed with a dozen or so packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid, my largest crock pot, a few towels, and a skein of Bare, I delved into the world of color. It was easier than I thought it would be and the result wasn't too bad. I found that although I thought I had PLENTY of Kool_aid, the wool sucked it up pretty fast. Less than 10 min after putting the dye in the crock pot, the water was clear. So I mixed up more "dye"
Has anyone overdyed something like this to tone it down a bit (just in case)? Is there a food related way? Back in the 80's we used tea to stain muslin for sewing projects. I'm wondering if that would work.
Now I'm taking a poll on how you feel about music on a blog site. I have mixed feelings. On the one hand I find it a little distracting and on the other hand I've found some music I really like through blogs. So what do you think? Of course, you can always click on the pause button...
Now I'm taking a poll on how you feel about music on a blog site. I have mixed feelings. On the one hand I find it a little distracting and on the other hand I've found some music I really like through blogs. So what do you think? Of course, you can always click on the pause button...
6 comments:
What a fun post! Using kool-aid to dye wool - fabulous! And the music player was such a fun idea that I had to get one for our family blog!
I've had similar problems with shawls...and had to come up with rather creative ways to finish them. In one case I found someone on Ravelry who had the same yarn in her stash and begged nicely for 5 yards!
I've still not had the urge to dye anything....and probably won't. Just guessing. I'm not one for messes, being a touch too fastidious.
I've got to start Carmen Banana myself. Mom and I each ordered a kit, and I'm making the monkeys while she's making the clothes for the girls for Christmas!
Well Carmen Banana is a *hoot* - my oldest granddaughter (23!) has a thing for sock monkeys, but doubt I'll tackle her. Pretty yarn colors!
Lovely notation on the dyeing today. Are you taking a vote on music playing on your blog? My vote is NO! I'm usually playing what I want to hear and get upset when something comes on to interfere. I could always not come to those sites that have automatic music. The only reason I'm saying something about it is because you asked.
I vote no on the music. I often read late at night and it can be rather loud in a quiet house.
Love the music and the posts!
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