As The Yarn Turns

Playing with Kool-Aid

Up to now my dyeing experiments have been mostly successful. The colors may not have come out like I was expecting, but I liked the end result. Over the weekend I decided to play with dye again with about an ounce of wool. I used Kool-Aid for the dye - Black Cherry because I like the shade of red, Grape, and I think Berry Blue. There's a nice color chart of some Kool-Aid colors on this site. If I'm dyeing with multiple colors, I will wet the fiber in advance with warm water and a glug of vinegar. Once it's wet, I lay on plastic wrap, and pour or squirt the dye on it. Then I wrap up the fiber in plastic wrap in a nice little bundle and steam it for about 45 minutes. Then I let it cool, rinse it out, and hang to dry. In hindsight, I should have done more planning. I like purple but the purple from the grape came out more gray than purple. The end result was a little homely verging on patriotic. I'll still spin it up in the hopes that the end result will look better. Often it does. If not, I'll just dye it again. So lets go ahead and get it over. Here's the end result.

Weaving My Way

I bought a rigid heddle loom some time ago. In fact, it has been so long I can't remember when I bought it. I made a few practice pieces and life got in the way so I packed it away. I'm determined to start weaving on it again so I bought Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving by Betty Linn Davenport to get me started. This is another small book that is packed with information. It gives some general information on the different types rigid heddle looms. The first project is a pillow or table runner (your choice) with very detailed step-by-step instructions. It's a very attractive project too. Other projects include placemats, a shawl, a tote bag, bands or straps, tapestry, and a few garments. It also covers project planning, color combinations, and fibers. In a project oriented book so techniques tend to be scattered among the projects if you are looking for specific information, but it does have an index. All in all, a handy little book. It's not a complete reference by any means but a good, inexpensive starter until you decide whether you want to stick with it. When I set it up, I'll probably used some inexpensive cotton yarn for my first project and go from there.

Katrina Top

The Katrina top is continuing along. Since I've been playing with Kool-Aid and spinning my llama fiber, it hasn't gotten as much attention. I debated with myself whether to make short sleeves or cap sleeves. I didn't really want straps and short-sleeves seemed like too much. Cap sleeves won out.

Until next time, I leave you with Katie who supervises all photography (and cooking) from her perch in the kitchen. It's our compromise to keep her off of the counters.

by Sydney  |