Dyeing Wool Tools

these are two of my essentials

when creating my own dye recipes

or making substitutions

the Cushing color card

is also good for picking colors

to dye straight from the package

no recipe needed

this pie chart is a priceless tool

knowing the value and intensity of each dye

allows you a better starting point

with a new recipe

as well as choosing a substitute dye

If you're new to dyeing

one important consideration is the color of the wool

you are using to overdye

I tend to purchase oatmeal type lights

so when over dyeing they look more antique and aged

if you want a brighter look

the wool you overdye should be natural

Checkout Dorr Woolens for comparison

I admit to studying color my whole life

as far back as I can remember 

I had art classes in all grades, including college

the color wheel

primary, secondary and tertiary

opposites, values, hues, tints...

I don't ever think of these

when working with color as they are a part of my 

genetic make up by now

it's like breathing 

automatic

It is fun to dye and experiment

I'm just ready to use up my stash
ready for

as-is wool from now on

I'm not quitting hooking

this wall would be perfect

in my sewing room!!!

well, I think I keep my face neutral

when taking patient histories

but this is what I'm feeling!

Have a great Monday friends

Hooked Again

this little mat has been sitting on my frame for weeks

and maybe more weeks

border and "bumps" were done

nothing seemed to work in the center

until yesterday

when this little guy cried out to be hooked

another small mat on the frame

one started last year and set aside...

Back to work today

I'm ready

Happy Sweet Cooler Weather Day!

A Full Cupboard

facing into the sun

not the best way to get a good shot

moving the cupboard was not an option though...

top row is actually orange and reds

this is most of the wool I've dyed in 2017

missing are about two more shelves full that didn't fit

these will mix wonderfully with my other stash

no excuse not to hook now

thinking I'm pretty much done selling wool

I'm glad I dyed it

sold enough to make it worth my while

just felt much more like work

than work ever does

other items like homespun, dye books with swatches,

a hook or two

even some hooked rugs

are in the works

just not wool

*****

with all this dyeing I really used up a good amount

of my dye stash

one of my main objectives

for now all the dye supplies are stored away

 if I feel the need to dye something

I'll just have to marry some wools

***

am going to be doing a little

hook-a-long next month

if you'd like to join in

will post here and on FB

the plan is a winter theme

still tossing ideas around in my head