. So I finally decided to pull out those fiber reactive dyes I have used on silk, to use on some wool yarn. It started as a natural off-white. I tied the yarn loosely into 3 oz loops and presoaked in hot salted water with vinegar while I mixed emerald green at 2 tsp per 1/2 cup saltwater.I placed two yarn bunches loosely in two medium bowls and started drizzling with dye! I added water to the green after the first drizzle, to create a softer green. Then I mixed a new batch of dye, this time cerulean blue, and drizzled that, flipping the yarn over. As a parting gesture, I mixed baby pink nice and strong and added a dash here and there. Then I put the rest of the pink in the soaking pot, for a traditional tub dye method.
I let the multicolors sit for about 15 minutes and was so scared, based on the color of the water, that I had simply created mud. Rinsing revealed these subtle shadings of greens, blues, and lavender. Surprise! I swatched a little of the green yarn and I like the gentle self-striping there.
Ahhhh. So THIS is staycation.
Next time, I want to start with blue. I know some little girls who definitely need wool sweaters.... Off to find patterns now.
