Browsed by
Tag: wool

Direct Dyeing

Direct Dyeing

Direct dyeing is a method where the dye is applied directly to the fibre. This can be done with very small or fairly large amounts of fibre depending on what utensils are available to you, but it is particularly good for smaller amounts. One advantage is that the fibres don’t move around so there is less tangling or felting. Another advantage is that very small amounts of dye can be made up, reducing the risk of waste.

Dyed Silk Throwster’s waste

 I have written a step by step tutorial with lots of photos and a table to help work out very small amounts of dye/solution. I apologise to anyone more familiar with imperial measurements, the quantities used are so small that the tiniest measuring spoons are used and they are metric, so it was easier to stick to one measurement. And also US and UK fluid ounces differ, and even cups have metric, US and Canadian versions 🙂  If anyone needs a converter I find online conversion is excellent for everything.

Direct Dyeing Tutorial, please click for PDF

Spiral Challenge

Spiral Challenge

This is my first item for the spiral challenge. It’s a large heavy shawl I made for a cool fall demonstration. It started out about 10 feet across the long side and 4 feet from the point to the top.  After felting it’s about 8 feet long and 3 feet deep.  The main body is 23 micron merino wool and the spirals are multicoloured merino. It is lovely and warm.