Sunday, May 3, 2015

Dyeing ~

 
Yesterday's dye class with Connie {Wool Yankers} was great fun.  It was a beautiful northern Ohio day (FINALLY) and we were set up in her garage.  I think she had hot plates and roasters set up for eight dye pots.  Of course I forgot to take out the camera.  We spot dyed, marbleized, scrunch dyed, dip dyed and more.  Unless Connie is dyeing to get a specific color for a hooker, she is a no rules kinda gal, flying by the seat of her pants. 
 
One of the colors I chose to dye, champlain blue, is from Vermont Folk Rugs and I am so happy to have the book and love the outcome.  ARGH!  The true color is somewhere between the two.


 
Today instead of doing what needs to be done, I have been playing in the dye pots.  My supply of Cushing dyes is limited and I need to find my Cushing chart so if I don't have a color, I can choose one that is very similar.  I don't yet have the confidence to alter the recipe.  I did break a very important rule ~ wear gloves.  My hands and nails can prove that I did not.  No one ever said I was the sharpest knife in the drawer . . . lol.
These are the wools I started with.



Here are the results.  All are formulas from Antique Colours for Primitive Rugs by Emma Lou Lais and Barbara Carroll. 

Khaki - ended up more green than Khaki

Bronze green - a very pleasing color in person.
NOTHING like the color showing on my monitor :(
 
Antique black - came out more blue than black. 
Darker than showing here.

Oh, the things a mom can learn on Facebook.  I was on yesterday and saw that my California son was in Hawaii.  HAWAII???   His girlfriend is a flight attendant and a Friday night flight to Hawaii she was working was only half filled, so he got to fly there FIRST CLASS.  I'm guessing he is back home today, but what an opportunity.  Lucky guy.


Definitely NOT Lake Erie

Can you believe this is post #899?  My 8 year blog anniversary is approaching soon.  Where has the time gone?  I do enjoy having give-aways and haven't had one in forever, so if you'd like to win some of the wool I dyed today, leave me a comment on this post or send me an email with give-away in the subject line.  My only "rule" is that you must contact me within three days or I will choose a new winner.  I will pick a winner Tuesday evening, 8 pm-ish. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

18 comments:

Margaret said...

Oh I'm scared to try dyeing! It looks like fun though. How lucky for your son indeed! I hope he got to stay in Hawaii for a while at least.

Julia said...

Boy, the dyeing does add to the primitive look, doesn't
it. Cal. son needs to keep that girlfriend - she comes
with benefits! Good job on the dyeing. Julia

Julia said...

I have a secret to tell, << I NEVER WEAR GLOVES >> to dye. So far I've been lucky but now that the secret is out I'll have colorful fingers next time for sure. I use Cushing dye too.
I would love to win a piece of your lovely wool in your give away. I use a lot of khaki and it is different than what is on my screen. I love that color.

Wow your next post will be 900th. Congratulations ont his milestone.

It's the most beautiful day today and I can't hardly believe it, the grass is starting to grow. Yey!
Hugs,
JB

Farm Girl said...

I find out so much from Facebook too. Though, I think find out your son is in Hawaii is so funny. What fun class. I am so excited for you that you are learning to dye.
I like your colors. I would love to enter in, I mean you can't ever have enough wool. :) You always have fun giveaways.

marie said...

You did a great job dying. I have to confess, I don't wear gloves either. I have opened my Cushing dyes and put them in small plastic containers with snap on lid, so my measuring spoons go into the container without me having to touch the dye. There is always more room for wool, I'll love to win some of your wool.

Sue Tokash said...

Envious of the hooking opportunities you have in Ohio. Nothing here in Maryland.

jan said...

Lauren - Congrats on "jumping into the dye pots." I too use mostly as-is wool but have done some limited dyeing and plan t do more.

Post 899 - wow! I really enjoy reading your blog and am glad you enjoy writing it. I'm also glad to see you in the facebook groups. ...jan

Kim said...

I think it would be so much fun to learn to dye. Great job Lauren

Glenda said...

I would love to go to a dye class but when you live in the middle of no where you have to watch you tube. I guess I should be thankful for technology. I think your dying turned out well.

Jacqueline said...

Your son is lucky.. And I would love to be the lucky one winning some of your beautiful wool.

Jennie in GA said...

I like to dye....but only if I have no expectations of coming out with a certain color. For me it never happens. Your wool end are lovely. You should be pleased. And it would be great to share!!!

acorn hollow said...

Your wool came out just great! I have that book and I will tell you that my well water throws it off so it is never exactly the same.
Don't put me in for the giveaway I need to get in the dye pot and I have so much wool!
lucky son.
Cathy

Unknown said...

Great dye job. Love the wools. My wools never come out looking like the samples but I still enjoy dyeing. Please add me to the drawing.

Saundra said...

That dye book is the one that gives me the best results and close to what I want. I like every one of your wools and bet you'll end up using them too.

Goodness, I don't even look to see what post number mine is, but sure do keep check on my 'followers' and if someone leaves or joins. Joiners are welcome but don't like it when people leave me.

kstehens100 said...

Hey there.....on Friday night I learned my 27 year old son was in Jamica attending a wedding. They grow up fast. Hugs, Kat

Miccosukee said...

Has it really been 8 years? Boy, how times fly when you are having fun!!
Love to see your dyed wool and my stash is calling out for an addition from you. I am throwing my hat into the ring for the drawing. Thanks.

Jo said...

Love your colors! I like to use Cushing dyes too & love that dye book!!

marly said...

Here it is! Nice stuff. I need to get some dye for my plaid wool throws and you've given me two sources. Thanks. I don't know if it's the photos but it looks like the dye softened the plaids. Will give it a try.