the blue blog archives: choc-o-lot in my pock-o-lot

Thanks to fellow Knitsmith, Amber, who brought some bland Brown Sheep 6-ply to the Knitsmiths swap, I got to spend a few hours trying out different dyes this week.

Up to now, I'd only used the ProChemical washfast acid dyes. But I'd heard so many good things about their one-shot dyes that I thought I'd give them a go. I chose some beautiful blues, mixed the dyes, and got cookin'.

I think I'm finally getting the hang of this dyeing thing. Of course, one color immersion dyeing is about as easy as it gets, but still, the whole process went a lot smoother this time. And I'm starting to feel like I might be able to try the handpainting again. Maybe I'll even try mixing my own colors. Better get some more practice yarn!

Oh, the results? You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see the finished skeins! I'm hoping that the rain will hold off today so I can hang them all outside to finish drying.

posted by alison at 9:13 am | in dye job

Comments

I can hardly wait to see the finished product!
Tks for taking us on the adventure.

Posted by: Leslie at May 11, 2006 9:34 AM

Yum - blue spaghetti! :o)

Posted by: trek at May 11, 2006 9:35 AM

How fun! And pretty!

Posted by: Mary at May 11, 2006 10:52 AM

How cool! I figured all it needed was some love, and a few good ideas!

Posted by: Amber at May 11, 2006 11:17 AM

Little shout-out to Moms of Laurie Berkner fans. One of our faves!

Posted by: Liz K. at May 11, 2006 12:15 PM

wow i've been itching to dye some yarn.. i'd have to break my yarn diet though LOL
hmmm you're def tempting me. the blue is going to look soooo pretty!

Posted by: allena at May 11, 2006 1:34 PM

I'm just hoping that isn't going to be poop a lot in your pot a lot.. but if it is, at least you have a name for it! (sorry couldnt' resist...)

Posted by: thea at May 11, 2006 4:04 PM

Can't wait to see the finished skeins!

Posted by: The Purloined Letter at May 11, 2006 6:10 PM

the color looks so pretty! I'm not a fan of anything brown, but the blue is really lovely

Posted by: myrth at May 11, 2006 9:24 PM

Is there a difference between handpainting and microwave dyeing? I took a dyeing class and learned to put the skein in a plastic trash bag with the middle pulled up, skwirt on the dye, microwave 4 minutes and wait until totally cooled. Is handpainting different?

Posted by: patty at May 12, 2006 8:53 AM

I LOVE one-shot dyes.

Posted by: Chris at May 12, 2006 12:24 PM

Do you use separate saucepans for your dying or do you use the same saucepans you use for cooking and just wash them out?

Posted by: Orli at May 14, 2006 5:06 AM

Oh no, Orli, I have a separate pot for dyeing. All the instructions I've read said never to use the pots and spoons and tongs or whatever you use for dyeing again in food preparation.

Posted by: alison at May 14, 2006 10:24 AM