Staying neutral.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 6:37PM I am doing things other than dyeing (no, really Charlie, I am)--it's just that for the past few days I've tried to sort through my craft room as I pull out the holiday decorations from storage.
I keep my undyed yarn in my craft room. And the storage room is adjacent to the craft room—and I just can’t avoid them any longer. That's why my recent dye-a-thon makes sense. Or at least--and more likely--why it all makes sense to me. That, or I just can't help but start a project during the holiday season. It’s my thing, it seems. And since we haven’t found a piece of abandoned furniture for me to rescue this year, I suppose addressing my shelved dyeing projects when I really don’t have time will have to do.
So.
The other day I tackled neutrals. The thing is, neutrals can be tricky. No one wants boring beige yarn, right? So you need some subtle shading. But with a color value this light, it’s hard to keep things from getting splotchy (not always a bad thing, just not what I was going for this time).
After a couple of failed attempts with mini skein samples, I finally mixed a neutral that stole my heart.
I am calling the colorway Sandcastle—it reminds me of wet sand and favorite beach memories. It’s shown here on 100% superwash merino sport.
These skeins are headed to the very knitter who inspired me to be one, too. Happy (belated) birthday Jenn!
I cannot wait to see what they become via your gifted hands!
hand dyed 
Reader Comments (8)
purrrrrty! what kind of dyes do you use? care to share your go-to yarn bases? i'm wanting to get started dyeing!
Hi Josie and thanks. I first started out w/ kool aid just for fun but quickly switched to acid dyes. The ones I'm using currently are Lanoset dyes and they are great. I bought a starter set at a local fiber festival but you can find them online. As for bases, for now, I'm picking up onesie twosie skeins from folks destashing on Ravelry. This particular base is discontinued, which is quite sad as I absolutely adore it. I have another sweater qty left that I am saving for myself :). You should definitely give dyeing a go--it's a really fun and great creative outlet!! I would recommend that you start out w/ superwash bases. I felted a skein of single ply during an early experiment and it was maddening!
That is just gorgeous! Reminds me of the Plucky in my stash that is patiently waiting to be knitted into my own Naragansett! I have to say you are making me think I should add dyeing to my ever growing list of things to do/try!
Hi Amy--do it!! It's really fun. And thanks for the Plucky reference. That's just about the best compliment I could ever receive. And indeed Plucky's Oatmeal was the inspiration for these, but they lean more brown than gray. Did I mention it's fun? Next up is something blue.
Ooh, I'm a sucker for blue.
Right back atcha, Amy. I reference my Blue post.
It's truly an addiction. I'm glad to have company!
What a perfect name for this colorway ... I can see these skeins knit up into a cozy cardigan. Beautiful work!
Love that color. A beautiful shade of gray. Reminds me that "grays" come in all colors.