I've Been Dyeing To Do This

You may remember my yarn-dyeing ventures.


 First there was Kool-aid dyeing.
Then Wilton's Cake Icing Dye.


Since then I've been entertaining the idea of using 'real' dye;  
i.e., acid dye


Kool-aid and cake icing dyes aren't exactly 'real dyeing'
Their color-fastness is not exactly of an archival type.


This past week The Garden Bell blog 
has gotten me off the fence and into the fun of dyeing.


Take a look at Kate's blog
here
and here
and here

How inspiring Kate's yarn can be.


She graciously responded to my query re: dye


and 
here I am posting my first adventure with acid dye.

I purchased six colors to work with 
as well as a dye pot.
Yep, was able to find the kitchen department in our local Wal-Mart 
to find just the right stainless steel pot.


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First, I soaked by Knit Picks Bare yarn, but not before adding several additional ties to keep the yarn skein from tangling during the dye process.


I used inch-wide fabric stripes wrapped several times 'round so that it covered that area very tightly so the dye would not penetrate that area.


After a very long soak the yarn was ready
and so was I.


 I assembled my measuring spoon, a cup of hot water and a stirring utensil which is real life is a spatula.


And put my yarn on to dye

The pot/yarn was left on the heat 'til the water cleared of dye.

After the water cleared of dye

and after rinsing out the excess dye from the yarn

and after it dried.

Here's my first skein of acid dyed yarn.

Once it was wound into a 'cake' it looks this.

and this

Just wanted to share this with ya.


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Now to cast on for the Knit-A-Long
with Knitabulls Podcast
Her podcast name reflects two of her loves
knitting
and bulldogs! 
Diane's podcast is a hoot to watch.
If you have a few minutes, I invite you to view her most recent podcast.




I'm knitting with this KAL



This Valentine Scarf will be the project I'll be knitting.


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♥  ♥  ♥