Thursday, February 28, 2013

Dyeing with Food Coloring, part three




This ball was done more in my usual color choices - blues, purples, and greens. Following is the finished object from this ball of hand dyed yarn.

Choosing colors can be a little scary, but if you stick with what you know that you like, then you are pretty  safe from surprise. Surprises may still come but they are probably going to be in a realm that you are ok with. If you find safety is boring, then try something in opposition to your usual favorites.

The yarn is again Ultra Alpaca Light, this time in a light gray base. The pattern is Scallop Lace Hat by Leah Coccari-Swift.

So, if this yarn has peaked your interest, remember that you could join me for a Dyeing with Food Coloring class on Saturday, Mar. 2 for 12-3pm.

Happy Needling,
Anne



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Dyeing with Food Coloring, part two

For a long time, yarn lovers have been deepening their fiber romance by learning how to custom dye or paint on their yarns. This exploration has given birth to some of the most gorgeous yarns, both available in the marketplace (Lorna's Laces, Madelinetosh, Baah, Misti International, on and on the list could go) and in private stashes made in one's own personal kitchen sink.

I had admired all of my coworkers adventures in dyeing and I resisted the pull of that adventure. I saw many knitters and crocheters on Ravelry.com showcasing their custom work and I still resisted. Finally, after a considerable period of temptation, I decided to try out dyeing with Wilton Cake Food Dyes. The fact that I could get exactly the type of color palette that I wanted (with room in my heart for happy accidents) was the final lure that caught me.

My first dye job was to make a warm fire palette to make the shawl Mordor by Ann Lundblad. My yarn was Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine. I loved every second of the process and the end result is a shawl that this Tolkien fan wears very often.

Happy Needling,
Anne
















P.S. Join me for colorful fun @ Dyeing with Food Coloring on Sat., Mar.2 from 12 to 3 pm.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Dyeing with Food Coloring, part one

I have been having so much fun with dyeing yarn. I have been using Wilton cake dye (and Koolaid).

I am hoping to tempt you into joining us for this fun activity at my class this coming Sat., Mar. 2 from 12 pm to 3 pm. I plan on showing you what I am making from this newly colorful stash as the week blows by.

First, I have a set of fingerless mitts. The pattern is Camp Out Fingerless Mitts by tante ehm (pattern can be found on Ravelry.com). The yarn is Spud and Chloe Sweater. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the dye took to a 50/50 cotton and wool blend. My color palette has a clear inspiration, good ole Roy G. Biv. Pop into the store where the finished pair now resides. 
Happy Needling,
Anne







Thursday, February 14, 2013

Color Inspiration

Instagram Photo by Flickr user CluhMarie

Yarn from Left to Right: Mirasol Miski in "Electric Blue", Madelinetosh DK in "Antler", Spud and Chloe Sweater in "Grass", and Ewe Ewe Wooly Worsted Washable in "Chocolate".

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Color Inspriation Series

Today I want to start a new series on the blog of what I'm calling "Color Inspiration", I'll be sharing a beautiful picture that you can use to create an entire color palette that you may have not put together otherwise. Today, I have a photo of our namesake, Anacapa Island (source):

From this, I chose some colors out:


I love seeing the different colors of the photo represented as yarns. Nature is doing to color choosing for you, so you get color combos you may never have thought of before.

I hope you enjoy seeing my color inspirations! Stay tuned for more!

-Kaity

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Gifts to Love for Valentine's Day!

Are you looking for something for the yarn enthusiast in your life to express just how much you love them? Or are you a knitter or crocheter worried that your significant other is going to get you another box of chocolates this Valentines day (not that there's anything wrong with chocolate!)?

Well, today I have some ideas for some great gifts for Valentines Day!

Let's start out with something obvious:

From left to right: Blue Sky Alpacas Techno in "Posh Pink:" ($23.25), Madelinetosh Merino Light in "Poprocks" ($19.25), Malabrigo Sock in "Light of Love" ($19.50) and Baah! La Jolla in "Pink Tourmaline" ($29.00)

The Knit Kit! It's got a tape measure, stitch counter, crochet hook, thread cutter, collapsible scissors, stitch markers, point protectors, darning needle, and needle gauge all in one handy-dandy kit! ($24.00)


The Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle system. Includes sizes US5-US15, and this set is Pink to support the fight against breast cancer! ($65.00)

The Best of Vogue Knitting - 25 years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice ($29.95), and Knits to Give - 30 Knitted Gifts Made with Love ($24.95)

Last but not least, a gorgeous knitting bag from Offhand Designs! This is the "Marcella" bag in "Roseville". ($250.00)

Happy Valentines Day!
<3: Kaity