Dye another day? Please!

On June 16th I attended a hand painted yarn dyeing class at the Star Struck Cat Studio in Greenwood, IN.  The class of half a dozen students were each given an off-white skein of bamboo/merino blend yarn of sufficient quantity to produce a pair of socks.  We were given the choice of using two, three or four colors.  After instructions of how to apply we were left to experiment.  Due to the length of the skein we were not likely to get stripes, longer stretches of solid color are needed for that.  About every finger-width of dyed yarn will produce one stitch. 

My first attempt at hand painting bamboo/merino sock yarn.

I used three colors: Blaze Orange, Navy, and Midnight Blue.
I dotted the Orange with Navy to provide for 
the occasional blue stitch among the Orange.

We used dyes that were intended for dying "protein" material.
It took exceptionally well to the wool but produced a
"shine" effect by not absorbing well into the bamboo. 

After the class had finished dying their skeins the remaining dye was applied to a testing skein.

The skeins were laid out to apply the dye with a foam brush.
After the dye had been applied the entire skein was flipped over 
to ensure that all areas were soaked entirely through with the dye. 
After flipping the skein, but before applying additional dye, 
the yarn was blotted with a rag to remove excess water.  The dye quickly 
adhered to the wool leaving the blotting towel  relatively free from dye. 

Some fast paced action shots:  Dying the skein.

  

Upon completion of the dyeing process the yarn was pressed again to remove
the excess water then rolled in plastic wrapped and "cooked" in the microwave.

You can always use a little sustenance when working hard.

The cooked skeins were left to cool before unwrapping.

More great action shots: Unwrapping the skeins.

Unwrapped skeins were then hand-washed to remove any loose dye. 

My yarn after having been stomped dry. 

The washed skeins were once again blotted.
This time  wrapped in a bath towel and stomped by foot. 

Lovely dyed yarn.

Another lovely yarn.

The "end of day" yarn.  Very active!

The final step was letting the yarn air dry for 24 hours.

"End of day" skein ready to be worked up.