Yarn to Dye for

I had a lot of fun the other day playing with Pass egg dye and Koolaid.  I am a member of 'The Dyer's Notebook' group on Ravelry, which has a contest going for the month of April.  We submitted pictures to be swapped for inspirational dying.  I received this great picture of pink hydrangeas after a frost.

I wasn't completeley pleased with the results, so more dying happened.

How fun is that?  I lost the golden colors during the second dying, but I'm very pleased with the results. 
Koolaid, egg dyes, and food coloring are safe ways to get started that are inexpensive. 

Here are some links to help you along the way:

• Knitty.com - Dyed in the Wool - Koolaid
• Dyeyouryarn.com - Easter egg dyes
• Dyepot Confidential Video - Using a crockpot & 'real' dyes

Have fun and see what you can do!

Knitting is Enjoyable

There are so many things I enjoy about knitting. 

 

The search through patterns looking for something that strikes my fancy.  So many creative designers, I will never be able to knit everything pattern I save/purchase.  I believe in libraries, the buildings with books and our 'stash' libraries full of patterns.  Necessary, very necessary for creativity. Some of my favorite designers right now: Stephen West, Thea Colman, and Laura Linneman.


My Hope by Laura Linneman








Rockefeller by Stephen West



Finding the right yarn for a project is another fun aspect of knitting.  There are so many yarn brands out there, plus choosing the fiber content.  Living in Louisiana, 100% wool isn't always the perfect choice, so I have begun using  bamboo, silk and rayon (natural cellulose fiber).  Then there is color choice.  I love color, many of us remember playing with combinations using our 64 ct. box of  Crayola crayons.  They have changed some of the names over the years, but the effects of different combinations still awakens the senses. 

What are your favorite colors combos?   

With all of the Indie dyers that create incredible yarns, it can be overwhelming.  I am having fun finding new yarn when I visit my husband. You must touch it and see the colors in person to really appreciate it.  Here are some that I keep up with thru their video blogs: Fibernymph Dyeworks, Highland Handmades, and Gynx Yarn.  Other well known artists: Unwind Yarn Company,  Dancing Dog Dyeworks, Araucania,  Sweet Georgia Yarns, and MadelineTosh.  There are so many dying techniques, go out there and find your favorite. Many have yarn clubs you can join.  I haven't done that yet, but receiving a package of yarn or fiber and other fun goodies sounds wonderful.  Many of the colorways are limited to the yarn clubs and difficult to get.

Ranco Multi by Araucania

The process of creating the project gives me so much pleasure.  Tackling a new technique builds up my confidence and getting compliments on a beautiful shawl makes me happy.  I don't always take my time and enjoy slowly knitting for the sake of knitting, mostly because I already want to wear the beloved knit.  Patterns and yarn can be addictive.  Just one more row, repeat, or color change...

Giving a knit to someone who appreciates all the hours it took to make the gift.  Cherishing the time spent thinking about the past, present and future.  And then there are prayers sent heavenward for the recipient.


 



Charlie's Horse Shawl & pin

 


 



Went to Suzie in South Dakota
to keep her warm.

 


 



Made from Jean's yarn stash
for my Sister-in-Laws



We knit because we love to,

therefore we knit because we love.