Friday, May 11, 2007

Didn't dye so good on my first try

So my thought was that since I had sooo much dyeabe yarn that I would dye a couple of different colors before I did a whole sweaters worth. I used Gaywool dyes. I was told very simple and excellant colors. And I've seen socks that look great that have been dyed with Gaywool dyes. Well, I did it in the microwave in a rubbermaid tub. I used 1 capful of crystals per hank of yarn. Per the instructions. I microwaved it for 8 minutes. Stopping at 4 and turning the yarn. I really don't know where I went wrong. The logwood and mulberry are not vibrant at all. The oak looks like vibrant baby poop. And its uneven. What did I do wrong? I'm think about redyeing the hanks tonight to see if I can get a more vibrant color. It was funny though because hubby couldn't figure out why I was dyeing. "I know that they sell every color of yarn imaginable." "Are you saving any money by dyeing, probably not." And so forth went the conversation. And yes I can purchase the yarn for the thermal that I want to make. But this would of been better. And now it is a matter of not wanting to be defeated. Any insight anyone?











4 comments:

Megan said...

Well, the colors don't look bad through the screen, but that isn't saying much. Here are my dyeing tricks.
Got to a thrift store and get a big big pot(like a canning pot- and I think it can't be aluminum.) Soak your yarn in your skin for 30 min. Fill the pot 2/3 with water, bring it to a low boil, add acid (vinegar or citric) if your dyes require it and (HERE'S THE IMPORTANT PART) add about 1/2 C. of salt. The salt will even out the dyes, no dyes will, by themselves, dye evenly. Use a little more dye than it calls for, as it is an average, and different wools receive dye differently, especially if you want the colors to be very vibrant. Stir the stuff in the pot and then let it cool to steaming, but not boiling before you add your yarn. Now watch it carefully so it won't felt, when all or most of the color is taken up into the wool, drain in what ever way in easiest for you, rinse your yarn, dry and enjoy.
Also, remember over dyeing, you will need less dye, and very strange things can happen, be fore warned.
HAVE FUN!
email me if you have any other questiions.

Megan said...

that's in your sink, not in your skin:)

Heide said...

If you aren't completely happy with the yarn then an overdye sounds like just the ticket. I think the yarns look great though.

Unknown said...

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