Behold.
The skein on the left was dyed using the method noted here. The skein on the right was done on the stovetop using the method outlined in this great tutorial, in my new (from the op shop) enamel dye pot.
It doesn’t show up well in the photo, but the pot even has a pouring lip on one side. I was beside myself with glee when I spied this at my local op/charity/thrift shop. And it’s black, so I feel like a proper witch with my very own cauldron. I already own black lace up boots so am cultivating the wild hair now.
The hand painted method give you more control of the placement of colour than the stove top method, but I’m pleased with both skeins. The stove top skein resulted in more muted colours and the dye didn’t penetrate all the way to the centre of the skein, so I either didn’t tie the hank loosely enough, or I was too timid in my gentle stirring. I was terribly afraid the wool would felt if I moved it around too much in the hot water. It’s all part of the learning curve. I think I’ll stick to hand painted dyeing, but wanted to mention the other method here as several commenters bemoaned their lack of a microwave.
Some other resources I found useful were these tutorials on dyeing here, here, and here. For Australian readers, bulk food dye can be purchased online here while undyed yarns (including sock yarn, yay!) are available here.
The skein on the left went to Perth last week in a parcel along with these …
The skein on the right is on my desk where I can
I have more skeins dyed and ready to show off, but I have to go
Until next time,
In other news, Son #3 wore the cape and crown at school this morning. Sigh … nine years old.
20 comments:
firsties!!!!!
I do love those apple cozies, they crack me up.
Happy birthday to your baby!
I think the skeins look fabulous but I am waiting to see how they look knitted into something gorgeous before I start rolling around wantonly.
They look worthy of a body rub, but I might leave that to you...
They look worthy of a body rub, but I might leave that to you...
OOPs. Didn't work fast enough so I pressed the button again. That's what lack of patience does for you...
Sniff. My Lou turned 9 on Monday and wouldn't wear a crown. They've stopped capes and crowns at school as well. She says that 9 is a very magical age because 9 is such a magical number with so many cool combinations to it. So...Happy Magical 9th Birthday!
Stop. This is a conspiracy. Stop, all of you, making me want to knit.
Happy Happy Birthday, grown up boy!
And I am all agog and jealous of your pot-find.
Your hand dyed yarn is just divine - such beautiful colours. As for those apple cozies, they are the cutest things.
I'd love to make some for my boys to take to school, but I'm sure they'd only lose them...
Ooo, lovely colors. I want an op shop enamel cauldron, too! Not for dying wool; just to have.
And a very happy birthday to son #3!
dying fabric is equally addictive!
Soooo pretty!! And I love your cauldron, too.
Enjoy your special days :)
I don't even knit, but boy do I like reading your blog. Does that make me a yarn porn voyeur?????
Thanks for the link to that lovely yarn shop.
that bunch of colour on the left is my favourite so far.
So beautiful!!
I ma itching to dye some wool but what would I do with it?
For I cannot knit.
*sigh*
what a charming idea, a cape and crown? sweet!
happy birthday prince of nine!
The yarn looks gorgeous!!! I especially love the one on the left... Cute apple covers too.
Jodie
PAH hahahahahah! Naked body eh?
Thank-you so much for the links, I'd be careful though, the FBI might nab you on account of all this porn! Xxx
I really love the the colors in the one on the left, the green in with the deep pink and blue is just wonderful.
your hand dyed wool is just delicious!!!!
I want to have a go at it.!!!
I love your pot BTW. LOL
Ah, dyeing! Lovely colours.
And do you know that you can also dye hand-painted yarn, wrapped in cling-film, steamed over your cauldron? I think it's kinder to the fibres than doing it in a pot or a microwave - less risk of felting.
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