Down and dirty dyeing

Working on dyeing some sock yarn for tapestry. This is Paton's sock yarn which of course they no longer sell in the stores in white, because you know, why make my life easier. So I have to order it online and pay shipping costs.

That odd looking turd-like barrel thing next to the label is the dyed yarn... allow me to demonstrate

I like to paint my yarn and roving. This method requires a lot less heavy lifting of dye pots etc.  First I mix my dyes. I use Jacquard acid dye in the .5 oz. little jars. I usually just get the primaries and mix my own colors. But that's because I'm cheap, so feel free to buy what you want color wise.

I mix the whole jar with 1.5 cups of warm to hot water to dissolve the dye powder. I mix them in food jars like spaghetti sauce and shake well. This dye suspension kept in a dark cool place can last up to 5 or 6 months, I have found. When it starts to form little curds of dye in the suspension that won't dissolve on shaking, you'll know it's time to make new dye. Now, a word of caution. Wear a mask... a real mask. Not one like my stupid self is wearing here:

Ok... no. Duh. But I promise to get a mask like this for the next dye session:

Yeah, this is more like it. This nifty little guy with rubber gloves and safety goo-goo goggles should do the trick. And while speaking of safety, you should try to use a hot plate and do the heating of the dyed yarn outdoors or in a really well ventilated area. Dyes are dangerous and oh yeah... carcinogenic. Did I spell that right? Anyway, you get the idea. 

Ok, so you've got your dyes mixed up in old spaghetti sauce jars and you're ready to rock. Soak your yarn or roving for about 20 minutes in room temp water. This helps the yarn absorb the dyes.

I lay some Glad wrap on my work table and lay the already wound, tied and soaked yarn in the middle of the Glad wrap. Then I mix my dye colors in plastic cups and start painting the yarn with those cheapie little sponge brushes you can buy for like 10 for a dollar. This is a blue green with some yellow highlights thrown in.

After painting the yarn I then fold both sides of the Glad wrap over the yarn then start at one end and roll it up like a big Yodel.

Then I put my rolls in a pot used only for dyeing...

The roll sits on a steamer. Put enough water to fill the bottom of the pot. Make sure all the water doesn't boil away. Just add more if needed. Steam for 45 min. After that I let the roll cool a bit, unroll it and hang it up till it cools all the way. Then I rinse in cool water and dry. 

I over dyed a Patons yarn that was a light rose sock yarn. This is a closer look. I kind of like the little bits of color here and there. 

Little buns of color

And speaking of color, here are some springtime garden pictures: