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November 21, 2006
I Like This Dyeing Business
On an administrative note: Jacqueline and I have decided to host a knit along for the Victorian Lace Today book. It's a very flexible sort of thing - join when you want, start when you want, knit what you want (from the book) and finish whenever you get around to it. We're imagining a place for people to get together and share ideas or problems, ask questions, and get advice from other lace knitters. If you're interested in joining us, e-mail us at victorianlacealong AT gmail DOT com.
On Saturday I took a dyeing workshop at the local yarn shop and I have to tell you - I had a great time. Dyeing isn't as scary as I thought it would be. We had a great teacher and a fun group - there were about 7 of us - and I learned a lot.
We started by handpainting some yarn with the primary colors and I got some nice rainbow sock yarn. It might be a bit bright, but it will be fun for someone. That KnitPicks yarn I've had for eons came in handy.
Then we handpainted yarn with varying depths of shade - I chose blue - and it turned out pretty good. I imagine they'll be a nice, subtle sock when knit up (and I'm really hoping it doesn't pool like crazy).
We stopped for lunch, which was a carry-in and after lunch we dyed some merino locks in the crock pot, handpainted some roving, a silk hankie, and some silk sliver. I didn't even felt my roving, I was so proud.
We had a little outlet problem, so we had to take most of our stuff home and steam it, which was interesting, but it turned out ok. So, now I need to figure out what dyes to order, what else I need, a good book or two, and when the heck I'm going to find the time to play with dyeing. I honestly think I need to quit my job or figure out a way to survive on 3 hours of sleep because that's the only solution that's coming to mind. Tomorrow will be dedicated to baking a preparing for the big turkey day. I still need to grocery shop tonight. I'm still not sure how it got to be Thanksgiving already. Wasn't it just Halloween last week? Anyway. I need to grocery shop (I finally made out my list this morning, which made me late for work). Tomorrow, I need to bake a pecan pie, a pumpkin cheesecake, some dinner rolls, and cut about 50 pounds of stuffing ingredients. Oh, and I have a massage appointment tonight that I've rescheduled twice. Travis is supposed to pick up the turkey from the butcher tonight before 5:30. Last year he forgot, so I need to try to remember to call and remind him before they close. At some point I need to finish rearranging the furniture in my house (it was a brilliant move to start that project on Sunday - sheesh), clean the guest room, do something about the state of my craft room (it's at the "enter at your own risk" stage), and iron a table cloth and napkins. Yipes. I'd better stop writing - I'm starting to scare myself. In fact, the eye twitch is back.
I have plans to post tomorrow, but I'll be home and at the mercy of dial-up. We'll hope that the speed of things increases after everyone goes to work. If I can swing it I'll post some in-progress shots of the baking.
Comments
The dye job looks great! Dyeing is fun but even more fun with others. The KAL is a great idea. Maybe after the first of the year I can decide which shawl and when I'm going to start. I'm with you on the need for more time!
Posted by: margene at November 21, 2006 12:48 PM
mwah hah hah - welcome to the "dark side" - dyeing is SO addictive. I'd be happy to share the tiny little bit I've learned - and what I bought etc... - since I'm guessing that, like me, you aren't planning mass-dyeing like 3000 skeins or anything?
I'm really glad I didn't pick up the package containing my new dye order yet - or else there would be NO WAY I'd keep studying for my Trusts and Estates exam!
Posted by: maeve at November 21, 2006 1:09 PM
Dyeing is a slippery slope - I so wish I could do it every day. One thing that helps make it a quicker and easier task is to have stock dyes all mixed up ahead of time - that way if you get and urge and some time you're not spending it mixing your solutions up from scratch. I like the Jaquard dyes myself, but there are lots out there that other swear by as well.
Posted by: PumpkinMama at November 21, 2006 1:17 PM
That really looks like a fun time and the colors turned out beautifully.
Posted by: Beth at November 21, 2006 1:23 PM
OOO La La............it is fun, isn't it? Like grown-up waterpainting!
Posted by: christine at November 21, 2006 1:27 PM
I still have yet to venture into this aspect of the craft, I figure at some point I will, it does look like fun, although rather messy. I may end up with a purple dog.
I like your idea of the knit along, I've been contemplating ordering that book. I may just have to do it now and join along. I do feel the need for some lace.
Enjoy your mssage tonight, I think it's the perfect way to start off the bake-a-thon and preparae-a-thon tomorrow.
Posted by: Rebekah at November 21, 2006 1:39 PM
Busy little beaver, aren't you?! I used to do all that stuff, but now we go to my son's and get to play with the grandkids while THEY make dinner! Still end up making bread, rolls, pie, green beans, and the gravy. Not good planning. I'll have to think about the Victorian Lace Along....have yet to make a shawl! Happy Thanksgiving to you both!
Posted by: Marcia at November 21, 2006 1:53 PM
Oh, I love that last photo - fantastic colors. How did you get such vibrant 'spots' of color in one pot, for the Merino locks?
Looks like a lot of fun....Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: eunny at November 21, 2006 2:07 PM
Your class sounds like fun - the rest of your to-do list... not so much! Oh well, just take it one step at a time and you'll get it all done. I like the dyes from prochemical.com - you can get all your supplies there. I got the "fall" and "winter" dyeing kits, which I thought were a nice way to get several coordinating colors for a reasonable price.
Posted by: Zarah at November 21, 2006 2:21 PM
If you figure out that three hours of sleep thing, let me know. I would like in on that secret too.. knitting, sewing, cooking.. i can't fit it all in! Did I tell you we got turkeys for $8 yesterday?
Posted by: Angela at November 21, 2006 2:40 PM
Your dyed yarns and roving look great. I'm glad you had fun. And your Thanksgiving prep sounds hectic but I'm sure it will all be worth it.
Posted by: Carole at November 21, 2006 2:56 PM
The dye job looks great -- very fun colors! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.
Posted by: caitlyn at November 21, 2006 3:22 PM
Woweekazowee! All that dyed yarn looks great! Just think if you quit your job and survive on 3 hours of sleep all you could do. What did you do when Travis forgot the turkey last year? My eye started twitching when I read all you have to do tomorrow.
Posted by: Stephanie at November 21, 2006 4:01 PM
mmmm, sounds like you have one delicious thanksgiving ahead of you. i know what you mean about time flying. i can hardly believe it's november.. late november at that!
i love the sock yarn! it's very psychedelic and fun.
Posted by: gleek at November 21, 2006 4:48 PM
Well, if I can get a little bigger, I'll hire you to be my dye slave. Heh. But you'd have to move to Seattle. Oh, the hardship. heehehe
Posted by: Sundara at November 21, 2006 5:19 PM
FUN! I love how all your yarny experiments turned out :) Beautiful! FYI, I order dyes from www.prochemical.com. They have great products and customer service. Enjoy watching it dry!
Posted by: Dani at November 21, 2006 6:52 PM
Awesome dyeing! Just wait, now you'll never emerge from the kitchen! It's such a fun process :)
Posted by: Adam at November 21, 2006 9:39 PM
ahh, your holiday preparation time sounds ALOT like mine. I am chuckling here all the way to my toes.
Your dyeing looks great - good job! It's an addictive thing, tho'.. just sayin' :-)
Posted by: Teyani at November 21, 2006 10:35 PM
Dying is quite addictive!! Welcome to the cult! I got some dyes from ProChem (washfast acid) and a big ceramic pot from a discount store. That is how I dyed the yarn for the DNA socks. It was fun and easy!
Eye twitch - I get it too when I start thinking too much! We have 19 people coming, two turkeys and a house to clean! Ahhh! (twitch twitch)
Posted by: Stacey at November 22, 2006 8:00 AM
Oooh - I just got that book - what great patterns, huh??
Good luck getting through the next few days!! Remember to enjoy yourself too!!! :)
Posted by: Jackie at November 22, 2006 8:39 AM
mmmmm, you make pumpkin cheesecake too? i make one every year for the office potluck, and another for home. everyone who complains of not liking pumpkin pie loves the cheesecake.
i'm thankful that i am not yet the house everyone comes to for thanksgiving, and that tomorrow i'm only cooking/roasting/baking for the bf and i. =]
your dying looks lovely...those merino locks especially look so soft & fluffly & fun!
Posted by: amy at November 22, 2006 11:22 AM
If you can't understand how it's T-day already, try living somewhere where it's 75 degrees out! Have fun baking.
Posted by: Theresa at November 22, 2006 4:03 PM
awesome, so you are going to be a dyer now?? I know that you will make a very considered decision about which dyes to get, so will be interested in what you choose. All the yarns look fantastic.
Have a great thanksgiving!
Posted by: Diana at November 22, 2006 8:02 PM
Hmmm, a knit-along, huh?
But, but, I have Christmas knitting I need to finish first!!
Posted by: --Deb at November 24, 2006 9:16 AM
