I did accomplish a few things too which always helps.
Sooz had asked if we could have a dyeing session so she and I donned the rubber gloves and got stuck into it. I'd bought some delicious undyed sock yarn (100% superwash merino from here) and some Landscape dyes to try out.
We wanted to steam the yarn but didn't have a colander, so improvised with sticks and tinfoil in the cauldron. Thanks to Janet for taking this gorgeous shot when my camera batteries ran out.
My very first hand dyed sock yarn! (I'm so proud). I wanted socks in gently blending shades of red, purple and pinks, with a ping of mustard and this yarn turned out exactly as I'd imagined. (In real life the yarn is less pink and more red than these pics).
I had great fun winding the skeins into balls with Di's swift and winder. Look at those lovely little cakes of scrumptiousness. Now to find a sock pattern worthy of the yarn.
I dyed some other yarn too (sport weight 5ply) and although I'm not thrilled with the resultant colour combination, I figure someone might be. I'm undecided as to whether to sell it ... or how much to charge. What do you more experienced yarn fiends think? Is there a market for this? I thought someone with a pink-purple loving little girl in their life might appreciate its not so subtle charms. Anyone want to make me an offer? (SOLD. Thank you)
Here it is. 200g of Patons Bluebell 5ply sport weight 100% wool yarn.
Clockwise from top left: before dyeing it was candy pink; after dyeing it was candy pink, blue and purple; another shot of dyed and skeined; finally wound into four 50g balls.
I have other stuff to show from the Retreat, but that's it for tonight. I have a hot date with a West Wing dvd (up to Series 3 now) and a cup of hot chocolate. Sam, Josh, CJ. Oh yum.
21 comments:
The West Wing and a mug of hot chocolate. Can't think of anything better. Actually, I'm off to make a milo right now....
Love the yarn BTW. Your colours are genius.
You can always overdye something if you don't like it. (Mind you I always move on and never manage to get back to do it. Nothing like the advice of a hypocrite!)
That "ping of mustard" ties it all together beautifully!
Mate, that sock yarn looks so good I could eat it.
Especially now that I know it was steamed using sticks and a cauldron!
I used your food-dye tutorial the other day - my cashmerino took on the dye beautifully - thankyou!
Leah xxx
I am into knitting shawl type things at the moment using different blends and weights I would be happy to take the offending pink/purple off your hands... Give me a price plus p/p sharon - beyond the blank page
your wool is just gorgeous!!!!and the colours...wooohoooooooooo
I agree, the mustard is yum - and mustard is usually yum. I must delve back further into your blog for dyeing tips. I borrow dye books from the library and marvel over the witches brew alchemy of it all. I can remember dye pots being boiled up in our house when I was little, possibly to restore colour to clothes, or recolour them. What thrifty people we once were. The chainstore turn over of "disposable" and "seasonal" - as in one season - clothing is a worry.
Sounds and looks as though you had a great weekend - a retreat - what a fantastic idea - might have to see if some of my friends would be in for it! Doesn't matter what craft you do really would it!
The wool looks Yummo
The first yarn reminds me of sunset.
I know absolutely NOTHING about dying yarn. What I do know is that these photos are yummy. I'd love to have a scarf out of any of these. They are just lovely.
I'm so glad that I stopped by your blog this evening.
Hugs,
Cookie Sunshine
I am not worthy I am not worthy....you are super crafter extraordinaire. I'm still ploughing my way through scarf number two. ....
Have you ever spun your own wool?
Sigh.. I love wool. Unfortunately I'm a cack-handed knitter/crocheter.
Eye candy for me, the best kind.
Slobbering all over the keyboard at your beautiful yarn!
I'm about to start West Wing series 1. So many people have recommended it. I don't know how you do it but you've made those pinks look very australian.
Those yarn colours are just glorious. Hope you find your dream pattern for the socks.
The craft weekend sounds absolutely wonderful. Please, please, invite me next time!
The yarn you dyed for yourself is beautiful. I love that mustard yellow.
Now you have to start spinning!
That first yarn with it's mustard highlight is gorgeous. I think I will have to pinch the colour shceme for a new mosaic!;)
i LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your pink/red/mustard sock yarn! and please, oh please tell me you offer your yarn up for sale somewhere??? :)
ab-so-LUTE-ly lovely.
Beautiful, delicious colours.
Sounds like my idea of heaven, a craft retreat.
I am definitely putting up my hand yo buy something you have made. I could never make it myself, your things are so wondrous.
I like the socks. They would be so cosy on a cold night.
Post a Comment