Overdyeing
Before. This is a skein of Fisherman’s Wool. I dyed it with Wilton’s icing dyes in 2005, as detailed in this post. The goal was for it to be a learning experience, which it was. That makes it a success, which is good since I hate how it turned out.
Below: Overdyed in the crock pot in leaf green acid dyes. I told you I got a lot of mileage out of that dye. The result still isn’t fantastic, in my opinion, but it’s better. And I learned, which, again, was my goal.
Next: Second time dyeing Fisherman’s Wool with Wilton’s dyes. It’s got kind of a fluorescent bicentennial quality to it.
Below: Same yarn overdyed in the crock pot in that same leaf green, this time mixed with black. I’m really pleased with how this turned out! It toned down the brightness into more of a dark jewel tone. I’m sure I can find something to do with 465 yards of this.
Next is the wool which I had cold-poured acid dye on at the Sunday session. Pictures are before and after. I realized I had some that were similar – maybe I’m stuck in a dyeing rut – so I overdyed it that night. This time, I poured black directly into the dye pot near the wool, knowing it would create little patches. I was curious to see how it would dissipate. Honestly, I’m not crazy about the shade of green, but again, I learned something.
Finally, 512 yards of Gems sock yarn, dyed in green and black in the crock pot. I deliberately didn’t move it around much so it would have a variegated quality. I wasn’t expecting it to come out teal, but this is absolutely my kind of color. I’m thrilled with how this turned out.
All in all, this was an excellent learning experience. I had a great time and can’t wait to dye again.
Interesting. The second one came out very pretty.
And it gives me craft ideas!
Can you buy this wool stuff predyed and cheap from somewhere? I want to play with felting some stuff, so just for toying I don’t need good quality.
Also, do you think it would felt up using boiling water?
Interesting. The second one came out very pretty.
And it gives me craft ideas!
Can you buy this wool stuff predyed and cheap from somewhere? I want to play with felting some stuff, so just for toying I don’t need good quality.
Also, do you think it would felt up using boiling water?
Also, how many ounces/grams/whatever is there of the pictured fiber? It looks like it’s a good amount.
Also, how many ounces/grams/whatever is there of the pictured fiber? It looks like it’s a good amount.
I really like some of your results!
I really like some of your results!
The teal is gorgeous!
The teal is gorgeous!
The unspun wool would definitely felt using boiling water. You can buy small quantities in felting kits from various internet supplies and from eBay. FiberTrends has a kit that includes needles for needle felting as opposed to wet felting. I’ve used it before for felting soap. There’s an eBay supplier whose name I can’t recall who sells small quantities. You’re probably going to want to use the word “roving” in your search.
The unspun wool would definitely felt using boiling water. You can buy small quantities in felting kits from various internet supplies and from eBay. FiberTrends has a kit that includes needles for needle felting as opposed to wet felting. I’ve used it before for felting soap. There’s an eBay supplier whose name I can’t recall who sells small quantities. You’re probably going to want to use the word “roving” in your search.
Thanks for the info.
So should I search for ‘roving wool’ then?
Thanks for the info.
So should I search for ‘roving wool’ then?
Yep, those two words are good. The unspun wool will be prepared as either roving, or top, or a batt.
Yep, those two words are good. The unspun wool will be prepared as either roving, or top, or a batt.
Yay thanks.
Is that the lower end stuff? I don’t want to go using good quality for felting dreads.
Yay thanks.
Is that the lower end stuff? I don’t want to go using good quality for felting dreads.
Ah, dreads! There’s a good tute here: http://www.angelfire.com/freak2/rovingtutorial/
Quality’s going to vary from place to place. If you like, I’ve got a couple of odds and ends I can send you to play with. I’d just need your address again.
Ah, dreads! There’s a good tute here: http://www.angelfire.com/freak2/rovingtutorial/
Quality’s going to vary from place to place. If you like, I’ve got a couple of odds and ends I can send you to play with. I’d just need your address again.
Yay, odds and ends!
I’ll email my address to your wearwithstyle addy.
Thanks <3
Yay, odds and ends!
I’ll email my address to your wearwithstyle addy.
Thanks <3
Those are so cool! I loooooove the first one. The green is nice… minty.
Those are so cool! I loooooove the first one. The green is nice… minty.