The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook: Dyeing, Painting, Spinning, Designing, Knitting

Q ^ i s t e d Sisters Sock ^Dbrkbook \^ Ly isterhood, sharing, crafting, giving, fjijjf laughing-that's what this book is V—^/ about. It's also about spinning yarn and knitting socks. Not just ,^ any old yarn or any old socks, BSEfefe^ but glorious, zany, wildly colorful ^1^9^^^ yarn for perfect-fitting socks of character and personality. Dipdyeing, pour-dyeing, and hand* painting yarns or wool rovings is J as easy as making homemade 4^ W h e n adding more colors, pour dye solutions next to each other and gently tap the edges to soften the transition. ^ To c h e c k the colors, gently pull a small area of the wool out of the water once the dye has fully exhausted and let some of the liquid run out. T h e wool will dry to an even lighter shade, so take that into consideration as you add dye. SUPPLIES FOR HOT 7. Once the fiber has absorbed all the POUR DYEING color you want, let it simmer gently, not boiling, for another 10 minutes. 8. Turn off the heat and cool to room temperature. 4. Slowly bring the dyebath to about How pan or large stainless steel bowl Distilled white vinegar 9. Wash and rinse the fiber and let it dry. p H paper, acid range 190°F (88°C). There will be steam, Tips o n controlling colors Experience but no bubbles rising. Stirring stick 5. From stock solutions, mix the colors you want to use (see p. 9 - 1 0 ) and have them ready in containers that pour easily. When the dyebath is gently simmering, start slowly pour­ is the best teacher, so make mental notes as you dye. Watch what happens as you add colors and note how colors Dye solutions in easy pouring containers change from the dyepot to the finished fiber or yarn. ing dye directly onto the fiber. Begin The more slowly you work, the with lighter or brighter colors, adding more control you have. Syringe (optional) W e t fiber or yarn the deeper or more muted ones after the brighter ones have been Remember that colors mix as they overlap. If you want a more absorbed. 6. After adding a color, wait for the fiber to absorb the dye and the water to turn clear. This is called exhausting the dye. Then pour another color. diffuse edge to the color, tap the fiber gently to encourage the dyes to spread out a little. Tapping also helps if you think it will get too dark where you have poured. The more you tap, the more the color will lighten as it spreads out