Satur-dye-day

When I signed up for Dye-o-rama, I wasn't sure what approach I'd take dyeing sock yarn for my secret pal. Kool-aid, Wilton's, acid-dyes, etc., there seemed to be plenty of options and instructions on the web.

But then Spinnity mentioned that our friend and fellow-dye-o-rama-participant was organizing studio time with Nancy Roberts in May. I shamelessly asked if I could participate (me too! me too!) and although space was extremely limited, I lucked out.

Nancy Roberts is the woman behind Machine Knitting To Dye For
and teaches classes on how to machine knit yarn and dye it specifically for unraveling and hand knitting. Neat idea, huh? She was at Stitches West & TKGA selling sock & hat kits as well as introducing patrons to her approach.

Not having had the benefit of taking one of Nancy's classes, I picked my friends' brains and knitted up a few "blanks" and took them to the studio for their big transformation.


Before dyeing. The tan sections are waste yarn which will be removed and discarded.


Dyeing.
Photo: Spinnity


Dying. A stiff breeze blew over a cup of dye onto the blank. I cried out and Nancy came running... she blotted the yarn with a solution which didn't look like it did much, but after over-dyeing and steaming you can't tell where the spill was. Thanks Nancy. Whew!
Photo: Spinnity


After dyeing.


3 pairs of socks in their just dyed form. After the spill, I dyed a provisional for my secret pal. Suspenders and a belt.


This one is for my secret pal.

Stay tuned, there's still more work to be done before shipping day.