Spin Spin Spin

Although you all think I exercise too often, but if fact, this has nothing to do with a bicycle at all.

You know I have been dipping into all sorts of project lately (please don't ask about Weaver). I have fiber everywhere in the house now... 1lb of Merino here, a basket of cotton there and silk everywhere! Yes, I now dye and spin my own yarns. My hubby was very nice to buy me my Ashford "Joy" Spinning Wheel. I love it!

I spun a pound alone yesterday, and can't stop. One problem, you get kinda sea-sick from doing it too long and when you're not spinning you feel like you just got off a cruise ship.

So, along with spinning, I love dying. I have checked many, many "cheap" versions of dying my yarn, and well. I will vouch for them all. I love 'em. Who really thought you could dye your own yarn and fibers with Wilton Icing colors and/or Kool Aid (Flavor Aide)??!

Up next, making my horse's saddle pad! (Dad is building me a loom,) so in a couple weeks, I will have my first blanket to show you!

BUT... I have been feeling a little under the weather. At first I thought it was an ear infection, thankfully not! For someone who never had allergies before, the desert kicks your butt! Our citrus orchard has now bloomed its blossoms everywhere and even though it smells lovely, its killing me! Anyway... Here is my version of dying roving/ yarn:

You'll need:
gloves
packets of 'aid (unsweetened!)
white vinegar
fibers or yarn
water
microwave (you can use the stove too)
plastic wrap
big bowl/ casserole dish

While I have tried many ways, I like to use the simple "splotchy" way.

First, put your fiber into a nice warm bath of tap water, let it soak for 20-30 minutes. Completely submerge it, but don't play with it! I have had one felt on me, its not that fun.

While you're waiting for your fibers to soak, make your dye. I usually use one packet of 'aid per ounce of fiber. (I like it bright!) Use a simple measuring cup and put a little warm water in it first so you don't get chunkies on the bottom. Pour in a good glop of vinegar and stir it up.

For one color:
Using the same bowl, pour your dye mixture into the bowl, cover and zap it for 3 minutes, let rest, then zap it again for another 2 minutes. The water should be clear... keep zapping in 2 minute increments until it becomes clear. CAREFULLY take out the bowl from the microwave and let it sit and chill. Patience is key with this, if you take it out too early, it might go into a shock and felt. After it has rested, rinse it well, then hang it to dry. (We have an unused shower, so that is now my drying area)

For multi colors:
Take out the fiber from the bowl and carefully squeeze out the water. Line the bowl with plastic wrap and place the fibers into the bowl. Take your dye (if you have old condiment containers, this work great! Just fill 'em and squirt!) and paint where you want the colors. Put plastic wrap over the fiber and zap it for 3 minutes. Keep checking on it, but let it rest in between zaps for a couple minutes. I use 2 minutes each time until the plastic wrap has no color on it.

Please be careful and let it cool before handling. It will burn. Just take caution and all will be well.

If you dye anything, take photos and post 'em. Thanks for reading!