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...

Teenaged Fiber Wisdom

So - I was in Walmart with the kids. (Have I ever mentioned how much I detest going to Walmart with 6 kids? - sorry back to the story...) The kids were picking out cereal (Walmart has cheap cereal btw... ) while I was searching the shelves for Kool-aid.

Now those of you who know me well will not be surprised that this garnered much confused attention from the tribe.

E and K were loudly whispering :

"Hey, mom's buying kool-aid!"

"What! No way! Is she going to let us drink it?"

"Yeah I think we get Kool-aid"

Followed by some jumping in the aisle.

Enter the thirteen year old brother:

"Guys, no way is she buying kool-aid..."

Prodded by younger siblings, he confirms that I am indeed purchasing kool-aid.

"Hmmm - maybe we are getting kool-aid..."

Enter the voice of 14 1/2 year old wisdom:

"Guys! Be real! (lots of eye rolling ) She's not going to let you drink it - She's probably going to dye wool with it! Geesh..."

Sure enough - Miss M was right. I AM dying wool with it! Turns out Kool-aid makes a great dye on all animal fibers. You can read all about it here.

I plan on some lemon-lime mittens...