I went on a yarn dying class last week where I got to meet my inner colour, much to everyone's great amusement. Niki had organised the class at her studio and I went along with Jacinta, Jan, and Sue. And we had a lot of fun.
Those dubious strands are my first attempts with the food dye. Niki got us to do yarn dips, doubling the amount of water in the dye each time so we could get a feel for the way in which the yarn took the colour. It was a whole new experience for me and I threw caution to the wind. Well, as much as I am able to.
Here's me mixing my colours - please note that I did not even attempt beige or grey and only got some navy blue because I forgot to add the water...
By the end of the class, I had some coloured yarn (and jeans due to the general messiness), some cake (thanks to Jan) and hands that smellt rather strongly of vinegar.
I will post a picture of my yarn (there's a bright red in there, ask Jacinta!) but none of my pictures have come out anywhere near decently so far so that'll have to wait. In the mean time, I shall leave you with a picture of Sue's rainbow yarn:
Of Sue's yarn about to blow up in the microwave...
And of some very bright yarn (I think it's Jacinta's but I am not sure)
The colours look most interesting, and am sure you had a fun time too. You could look on Stephanie McPhee's blog - yarn harlot - who is also doing dyeing, but she is dyeing roving (inside tights) to be spun eventually. It seems much more difficult than Nic's method.....
Posted by: Jill at February 24, 2005 09:55 PMLooks like fun! That near-exploding yarn photo is hilarious.
Posted by: Dana at February 23, 2005 04:21 PMAnd I'm sure I can find you some matching bright and or rainbow sock yarn.
Posted by: Louise at February 22, 2005 11:39 PMI would have loved to be there! A whole new colourfull world ;-)
Posted by: Stéphanie at February 22, 2005 10:34 PMso when do you debut your rainbow colour sweater? If you don't have enough to make a sweater, I can always find something 'bright' from my stash ;-)
Posted by: P at February 21, 2005 07:51 PMYep I think the colourful yarns are either Jan's or Sue's, I was in rather a pastel phase and mine were muted pinks and greens (gosh that sounds very Knit Happens) not intentionally. Thanks to Nic for being a great and very patient tutor!
"Don't forget the Vingear"!!
I think the yarns in the photos are Jans. I can't wait to see the dry colour of your yarns glad you enjoyed the day
Posted by: Nic at February 21, 2005 02:14 PMhi! what kind of food dye did you use? looks like you had great fun
Posted by: cara at February 21, 2005 01:51 PMthat seems like it would be such fun! cant wait to see your yarn colors :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at February 21, 2005 01:02 PMWhat amazing fun - I'd love to have a go.
Posted by: Lesley at February 21, 2005 12:19 AM