Last week I dyed some more thread - this one started out as white #10 Opera crochet cotton.
Here's How -
I dye thread by tying it into a skein, and soaking it in a solution of water with soda ash and salt (about 2L or 1/2 gallon water with 1/2 cup each soda ash and salt), for about one hour. I then place the wet skein on an old plastic lid (something flat with sides), it is quite damp, but not so much that the liquid is going everywhere (other wise the colours will all get mixed, you can always add more solution if the colours aren't mixing). I use the dye powder straight from container and sprinkle it on the thread, just a bit, and then "mush" it around with my fingers to mix the colours (safety first - I wear a dust mask and gloves). These are proMX dyes for cotton.
I loosely cover the thread with plastic wrap and leave the lid in a warm spot for 24 hours (I use a heated seed starting mat), I try to make sure that all the plastic wrap is within the lid so that the dye doesn't wick out (this picture was taken before that step). After 24 hours I just rinse and wash it following the dye instructions. When the skein is clean, but damp, find the centre and "snap" the skein around your two hands, to get the skein to go back into shape and straighten all the threads. Hang to dry.
The inspiration for this colour way was a picture from a Telus calendar.
I dyed the thread because I wanted to try some free form crochet - a friend has a great tutorial on her new blog. It was lots of fun to make! I followed the instructions for the first few swirls and then just started trying out different stitch combinations and increases - it was interesting to see how it grew.
 |
| It's just tiny. |
This weekend I made this month's Ostrich BOM blocks. "Triangles" was the keyword this time - so I chose a star block and a triangle filler piece (cut using a Tri-Recs ruler).
I have also been doing some free motion quilting - I am working on a little project.
Last month I won a $100 gift certificate from Fat Quarter Shop, through the SewCalGal 2012 Free Motion Quilting Challenge. I ordered some French General fabric to go with some I have, and also a large piece of 108" wide, plain Moda cotton, to make a whole cloth quilt. Thanks SewCalGal and Fat Quarter Shop!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!♥