Dyeing in the Grease

Dyeing In the Grease: 

Dyeing In the Grease By Karen Nelson Visit kbnelson.wordpress.com for more fiber and literary arts

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Choose a fleece that has been unwashed. You can separate the fleece into sections that will fit into a stock pot. The debris and dirt will add variations in color as the dye is absorbed in varying degrees, however, if it’s just too dirty for you to tolerate you may do a quick rinse in the bathtub to get out the worst. Select Your Fleece

Prepare the Dye Pot: 

Prepare the Dye Pot Ready a stock pot dedicated for dyeing (not food!) with 2 inches of water and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Place a wire rack or colander in the bottom to keep the wool elevated. Bring to a simmer. Seize a handful of wool and place it into the pot. Use a wooden skewer or similar to gently press the wool into the water to completely saturate it.

Begin the Dye Process: 

Begin the Dye Process Sprinkle the dye over the wool and press lightly into the water. Don't forget to wear gloves, or you'll be wearing your new colors for a few days ! Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes. You can carefully press the wool down into the water occasionally to ensure total saturation.

Adding Color: 

Adding Color Now you can add another layer of wool, enough water to cover, and a sprinkle of dye. You can use the same color, or a different one . Just remember your color wheel, and that some colors may not blend in the ways you expected.

Pot of Gold…or blue…or: 

Pot of Gold…or blue…or Press the wool into the water, cover and simmer for another 15 minutes. Repeat this process until you have dyed all the wool you want, or the pot is full. By keeping a kettle of hot water nearby, you can add more water as needed. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. (This can be left to sit overnight.)

Rinse and Rest: 

Rinse and Rest You can now drain the pot (on a gravel driveway is good - just not over a septic tank or garden area). Fill a bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm water and place the wool into it. Let it soak for a few minutes, drain the tub, and repeat until the water is reasonably clear. Carefully press the wool to squeeze out excess water and lay out on a towel or rack to dry.

Dyed and Dried: 

Dyed and Dried A gorgeous Apricot and Rose variegated color - ready to card and spin ! You can lightly tease the fibers apart to allow more air ventilation for faster drying. Spreading the fleece onto a clean sheet and sun drying can be effective, too. Just remember to cover with a light cloth or net to prevent fly- aways !

Color Chemistry: 

Color Chemistry Experiment with different colors and explore the possibilities! Revel in the surprises that “In-the-Grease” dyeing offers.

Enjoy trying new color combinations, and share your creations at kbnelson.wordpress.com: 

Enjoy trying new color combinations, and share your creations at kbnelson.wordpress.com Create! Copyright 2012 by Karen Nelson Music: “Mountain Mist” by Studio Cutz