Dyeing My Own

I have just tried dyeing yarn using this tutorial. I was a little worried that it wouldn't work well and I would be left with some yarn that I cannot use. Then I gave myself a talking to, telling myself that it is only yarn and Noo won't care what colour her socks are.

I started with a ball of Paton Patonyle in a creamy white colour. I wrapped the yarn around the back of my dining room chair to make a skein, tied it in six places and soaked it. I made a fairly concentrated mix of pink food colouring and white vinegar.

I applied the dye to a small part of the skein, then diluted the dye a little with filtered water and applied it some more, and continued in this fashion. I had some help from two little three year old hands, and ended up with pink food colouring all over the floor. She did enjoy herself a lot, and it wasn't anything that a little gumption couldn't remove.

I popped it in the microwave and nuked it for a while and when it cooled, soaked it in some cool water with a little wool wash. I was really surprised that the water in the bowl stayed clear. I thought some of the dye would come out of the yarn.

Pink Lemonade

I am so happy with how it worked out. I love how the colours blend well together and I am hopeful that it will knit into a pair of beautiful socks for Noo.

I had some time on my hands while the two littlies slept and tried my hand at some other colours.

Cool as a Cucumber

Sunkist

Marina

Flame

I think I can see an addiction coming. It was so much fun and I have a head full of ideas that I am keen to try out. I may even graduate to other dyes. I need to find a good supplier of undyed yarns.