I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!
Last night I lock spun two huge skeins of a super soft, white Leicester cross wool, and this morning I hand painted them in gorgeous colors of purple, blues and greens. I love dyeing!
One skein has been pre-wet and is soaking in a vinegar bath. I will leave it to soak for about a half hour or so. I will then remove it and gently squeeze out the water. Then I will lay it out in a large cooking pot on the stove.
This skein is huge with over 100 yards of wild, crazy lock spun yarn! I love the little curly tendrils sticking out everywhere and they are super soft!
Here it is i the dye pot on the stove. I add enough water to barely cover the yarn, and get it hot, but not boiling. Then I add my dyes, and let it 'cook' for about a half an hour or so. It is done when the water is clear. That means all of the dye has been absorbed into the yarn. I used a green and Cornflower blue, and one of my deep, dark blue custom blends. Gorgeous!
Right out of the dye pot! Awesome color combination! I am always amazed at the color shades and how they blended together to create more colors!
I very carefully tip the pan with the dyed yarn into the sink and let it cool a little before rinsing it in cool water which removes any excess dye. The yarn in the photo is wet. The colors will darken some as the yarn dries. Now I will hang it out in the sunshine to dry!
Remember, it is wool and will felt, so please be gentle when handling it, and no wringing or twisting.
My second dyed yarn is ready so must go. Have some fun with colors!
