Dyeing is a fun job, sometimes it's great, sometimes not so much. I have been dyeing fibers for almost 5 years, first yarns and fabrics then wool fiber for hand spinning. It's funny now that I dye spinning fibers to think back to how nervous I was about felting the wool yarns I used to dye! You still have to be careful with your wool yarns (of course) but, with spinning fibers so much more careful..don't agitate, don't overheat, don't temperature shock...etc. Though, like with all things practice is the key and 'paying attention' doesn't hurt lol!
This is my third or fourth session using natural dyes on wool and silk spinning fibers. Knowing what I can expect from certain dye stuffs allows me to create colorways I really enjoy instead of getting those "oops, well it's not that bad, is it??" moments (which are painful with acid dyes, but can be even more so with expensive natural dyes and fine wool tops. This session I was brave and gave my first go using my angora fiber and natural dye, we'll see how the fiber feels and cards after rinsing and drying.
I will post a picture of the fibers separated by color after they are dried. Here is a new one that will be available at the online shop www.wildberrymoon.com.
And here are a few that are awaiting a dip in the Indigo vat that is waiting to be made until Aric comes home with some pH strips (because I misplaced mine).
This is my third or fourth session using natural dyes on wool and silk spinning fibers. Knowing what I can expect from certain dye stuffs allows me to create colorways I really enjoy instead of getting those "oops, well it's not that bad, is it??" moments (which are painful with acid dyes, but can be even more so with expensive natural dyes and fine wool tops. This session I was brave and gave my first go using my angora fiber and natural dye, we'll see how the fiber feels and cards after rinsing and drying.
And here are a few that are awaiting a dip in the Indigo vat that is waiting to be made until Aric comes home with some pH strips (because I misplaced mine).
Now in the next post I will show you how the angora fiber came out (and describe wether or not it feels good enough for spinning) and show you how the 2 batches of fiber waiting for the indigo vat look after a dip or two in the vat.
Are all my New England friends happy today with the cooler air?? I am ecstatic, can't stand the humidity as it's no good for doing any of the things I love.
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