To Dye For...

Our first foray into the world of fiber dying.

This really was a great project to do with the kids. We learned that we need LOTS more kool-aid for deeper richer colors. I also learned that you can use wilton gel food colorings with a few glugs of vinegar to get good results. Who knew...

I ordered some hanks of bare peruvian wool from Knit Picks with my christmas money. I ordered a whole lot more too - but let's keep that one a secret from the man...

Next we washed the wool being very careful not to agitate too much as the 100% wool has the potential to felt and that would be a disaster.

Then, using a turkey baster the kids "painted" the yarn. G is using just two colors for stripes.

When the yarn was all "painted" we wrapped it in plastic and zapped it in the microwave for 2 minutes twice. We could tell that it was done when we pressed the yarn and saw clear, rather than colored water seep out.

Here are two finished skeins hanging to dry in the bathroom. Hmmmmmm... wonder what they will become...

Finished! Well sort of...

It is finished - or at least I am finished with it...

I realized that I have a lot to learn when it comes to knitting lace. Whew! This was one killer project for me. Every time I got to the end of a row I either had one too few stitches or one too many. I was driving myself nuts - so I cast off without finishing all of the charts and blocked and wore it as a scarf/wrap to a party. I liked it. I wish that the pictures could actually do the fiber justice. It is the most heavenly blend of silk and mohair. So soft and warm it makes you want to just bury your face it it. The good news is since I didn't finish the pattern I have a bunch of yarn left over for another lace project. But first I have to practice a bit more.

I have already started another lace project - a stole in a heavier weight alpaca - MUCH easier for a beginning lace knitter :)