Rainbow in a Bottle
Today I got to spend a wonderful day with a good friend and surrounded by color. What were we up to?
This picture is for Claudia, my dyeing safety guardian angel. I had similar gear and was even wearing my face mask when I took the picture. We both used all this stuff for the whole time we were preparing our stock dye solutions. Dye is not good stuff to wear or to breathe, friends and neighbors.
In order to start a more scientific approach to this process we started out by creating a set of 2% stock solutions. Why 2% instead of 1%? Mostly because that is what would fit best into our 16 ounce bottles given the amount of dye we had to start with. These bottles are pretty handy with their capped spouts. They also can withstand high temperature liquids and can be used to store dyes. Dharma Trading Company is the place to go if you need some of your own. Their products are affordable and their shipping is very speedy.
It didn't take us long to start playing with some color...
Paper towels are a handy way to test dyes. These will be the first entries into our "Dyeing Diary". We also discovered that syringes are a handy way to measure dye solutions out. We did get some strange looks from the people in the medical supply store when we asked for them, however...
What can I say? We get a little cool weather in Chicago and I start thinking about fall. This was my attempt to try to get close to the colors in fall leaves. This is probably the color composition that I am most pleased with from the day. The scary thing is, it's completely unusual for me to like colors like this at all. There's not a dash of blue in sight...
You can probably imagine what these are headed for. More on what they became tomorrow when I have some good outdoor light for color photos.
post edited to correct the spelling of the word 'dyeing'... thanks Quirkybook, for the correction... I need to find a spell checker for Movable Type
It looks like so much fun! I have loads of face masks from last year's SARS scare ... well I live in the States, which was not really affected but it is always good to be prepared. Can't wait to see the results.
1) Happy belated anniversary!
2) As a quasi-scientist myself, I surely do appreciate the meticulous way in which you document all of your adventures into uncharted fiber arts territory. Though I'm just a beginning knitter/crocheter, I am inspired by the way you dive into these things!
3) I am no grammar/spelling stickler, so please excuse this sign of anal retentiveness... but I think you want your category tag to be "dyeing" (This is one of the oddest (mis)spellings in the English language, no?)
Look forward to seeing the next stage! Good luck with the Autumn look.
Lanaset. Good choice. Did you mix custom colors from the primaries you purchased?
It's funny how some things strike you.
When I looked at the photo with the spots of color and multiple pieces of towelling, I got happy/excited.
I can't wait for the next block of photos!
What kind of wool is that? It loks lovely. I've always been pleased with Copper Moose purchases.
You know, the Google toolbar has a spell checker and works on forms, I use it with Movable Type and it works well.
I'm loving your dyeing documentary. I can wait to experiment with "real" dyeing this fall. I've only played with Kool-Aid so far but I LOVE the process. Can't wait to see what combos you gals came up with.
Tanya
Ah!!!! You don't know me, nor have you heard from me before, but you are one of the evil bloggers who have teased and tempted me to try spinning again, which I am loving with my Joy. Now you are at it again, tempting and teasing me with dyeing. So, now I am reading about Dyers' gardens and dye plants, and hoping the LYS offers an introductory course in dyeing! Thank you, oh Evil One!
I like the color combo. What are you gonna name it?
I am sooo jealous, I think I will have to "dye" this weekend!
shut up!! u dont