Ever wondered how those beautiful self-striping yarns are created? Join Jim from Bellevue Farms for a hands-on yarn dyeing workshop where you'll learn the process of transforming a knitted blank into your very own self-striping yarn.
This practical and creative workshop will take you through the complete dyeing process, from preparing your fibre and choosing your colours through to applying the dye, steaming and finishing your knitted blank.
You'll learn about how yarn takes up dye, how pH affects the dyeing process, the different equipment and PPE required, and how to record your dye recipes and techniques so you can recreate your favourite colourways again and again.
What you'll learn
- How to prepare and pre-soak your yarn ready for dyeing
- How dyes work and the role of citric acid or vinegar in the dye bath
- Safe dyeing practices, including appropriate PPE
- The equipment used for yarn dyeing
- How to choose colours and plan your colour placement
- How to accurately weigh and mix dyes
- How to achieve even and vibrant colour coverage
- How to keep records of your dye recipes and process
- How to steam your knitted blank to set the colour
- How to dry and prepare your knitted blank at home
- What to do with your blank once it has dried
- How different dyeing techniques can change the final result
You'll first watch a demonstration of the dyeing process before mixing your own chosen colours and creating your very own self-striping knitted blank. You'll have plenty of opportunity to experiment, ask questions and receive guidance throughout the hands-on portion of the workshop.
We'll finish by sharing our results, discussing what worked, what we learnt and answering any final questions. If time allows, we'll also explore other dyeing techniques and how they can create completely different effects.
When:
Saturday 14th November 9.00am - 12 noon
Great Southern Yarn Warehouse - Unit 5/23 Lake Rd Tuggerah
Parking is available across the road at the football field
What to Bring
- A notebook and pen or pencils for taking notes
- Your enthusiasm and creativity
No previous yarn dyeing experience is required — this workshop is designed to take you through the process step by step.
Come along, play with colour and learn how to create your very own self-striping yarn!
You will be provided 4 x 100gm skeins of fibre to use.