novamade: i dye.

August 13, 2009

i dye.

So you remember how I said there would be no dyeing studio in the vicinity of my residence anytime soon...or ever. I think I was well-intentioned when throwing that out there for the masses; but, the fact of the matter is this: when you have a little over two pounds of fiber to dye, and you have a full-time job, children and a husband all hoping for dinner that does not involve a box or microwave...you are probably going to dye that wool at home when everyone else is asleep (and then spend an eternity cleaning your kitchen. Sigh.).

And well, it just worked out better that way...because really, I can't think of anything else I would rather be doing at 2 a.m. on a Thursday morning--though I am starting to think that sleeping would be a good alternative too; but, there you are.

I like it, there was a good bit of trialing. A got a lot of dye (I know, this is not shocking to anyone) to try out before settling on something suitable for me. I wear a lot of neutral colors, my wardrobe is not very exciting, I usually punch up my color options with accessories. As I write this I am wearing various shades of khaki, which really, is a little less than inspiring. But as you may remember, I have a fondness for purple (which, if we are being honest here, is kind of a lively version of black, really--color theorists back off! I am thinking fashion-wise here! Trust me, after all the dyeing I have done recently, I know a thing or two about the color wheel). So that's what I went with...purples...greys and the white of my canvas...I like that effect; I know it's not for everyone though.

All this fiber needs to be spun up (though I could make a statement by simply wearing it draped on my person, stylish, no?). I need to find a suitable sweater pattern so that my spinning can be informed--which will be new for me--spinning for a project, that is--usually, I just spin and what I get is what I get; but, in my defense, I think many people spin that way. So sweater patterns, thoughts? I mean, there is over 2 pounds of wool here, I won't need it all. I am leaning towards a cardigan, but I could be persuaded to knit a pullover too. It's going to be multi-colored, so let's not forget that

Posted at 11:13 AM in dyeing, spinning, stash enhancement, sundry, sweaters | Permalink

Comments

Mmm, lovely dyeing. Fwiw, 2 lbs does not always a sweater quantity make, esp if you spin a heavy (dense) yarn. Why not try a top-down something or other? I recommend Barbara Walker's book, and Wendy Bernard's book, too, for top-down inspiration.

Posted by: June | August 13, 2009 at 11:39 AM