Wrapped Wool and Silk in the Steampot
Wool and silk wrapped in plastic ready for steaming
Wool and Silk in the Steampot
Wrapped Wool and Silk in the Steampot
Wool and silk wrapped in plastic ready for steaming
I always seem to have trouble with the wool roving (merino) felting slightly when I stovetop dye it. I use a metal colander over simmering water for 30-40 minutes. Am I using too much moisture? Am I applying too much heat for too long? Is a microwave a better option? “Santa” gave me a board and hand carder that seems to work pretty well in getting the wool back, but can anyone give me any ideas to stop the wool clumping in the first place. Thanks
Keiran, I’m sorry that you’re having issues during your dyeing process. I have found that the wool doesn’t felt as much if you don’t do the steaming method. Instead, I fill the pot with water, dye and whatever acid I am using, usually vinegar and then add the wool. I let the pot simmer for 30 minutes or until the water is clear. Make sure that you don’t boil the wool. At that point, I take the pot off the stove and let it cool completely. Then I gently pour the remaining water off the wool. To rinse, I fill the sink with room temperature water and put the wool in to soak. The less you agitate the wool, the less it will felt. Also, moving the wool from a hot temperature to a cooler temperature will cause felting as well. This method seems to work best for me as the wool has less agitation happening. But I still get some occasional clumping or beginnings of felting. I use a drum carder to make the wool into batts, mixing colors and other fibers for a more “arty” batt. I hope that helps.