The Muffs Monthly
August 4, 2024
Dyeing repeatable colourways takes practise and determination. It's amazing how the same dye method and a slight change in colour amounts can create many variations.
Your layout, overlay, colour blending, colour coverage and how it strikes the yarn, type of yarn, pan size, heat source, all of these things can change the colourway completely. So how can we create a repeatable colourway?
Creating a repeatable hand-dyed yarn colorway requires a combination of careful planning, precise measurement, and consistent execution. Here’s a rough checklist that will help us create repeatable colours ways. When I get a chance, I will turn it into a printable pdf.
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I want to help you feel confident and at ease in creating repeatable colourways. My goal is to share everything I know with you, so you can hone in, save time formulating, cut the confusion and enjoy the process and fibre art part of it more.
Repeatable Colourway Checklist
Materials
O Yarn base____. I used 100% New Zealand Merino 4ply
O Dye____. I used Dharma Acid dyes.
O Fixative_____ I use vinegar and citric acid (for speckling)
Dyeing Equipment
O Dye pan __________
O Heat Source __________
O Micro weigh scale (.01 - 10g)
O Containers (for mixing dye solutions)
O Syringes (1ml, 5ml, 10ml)
O Dye mixing pouring cups for each colour
O Tool to apply speckle (fine siv, slippery gloves
Prepare the Yarn
O Time yarn is soaked _____
O No vinegar in soak
O Vinegar amount added in soak _____
O Drain the yarn method used _______
Prepare the Dye
O Make dye solutions 1g of dye + 100ml water
O Measure all amounts in grams instead.
O Use both methods
Applying the dye for Low Immersion
O Dye method chosen (Low immersion)
O Amount of water added to base yarn_______
O Place damp yarn in pan.
O Heat pan. Heat setting _________
O Pour dye onto yarn according to recipe.
O Fix dye with heat.
O Once hot, apply speckle according to recipe.
O Bunch the yarn or don't bunch the yarn (bunching can separate and remove water from specific areas so the dye wont move and speckle can strikes more quickly.
O Lid or no lid (speckles strike more quickly)
Rinse and Finish
O Turn off heat source, cool the yarn to room temperature
O Turn off heat source, move yarn to container to cool to room temperature
O Rinse the yarn
O Wash the yarn with mild detergent for wool.
O Add conditioner to the yarn.
O Hang the yarn to dry completely.
O Drying method_____
O Drying time____
Record Your Process
Make any edits to your records of all measurements, dye quantities, dyeing times, and temperatures. Include any variations in technique.
Tips for Consistency
Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for both dye and yarn weight.
Keep it simple.
Photograph: Photograph each step and dye placement.
Control Temperature: Maintain consistent dyeing temperatures.
Time the Process: Keep track of dyeing and heating times to ensure repeatability.
Practice Batch Dyeing: Dye larger batches to reduce variability between smaller batches.
Create a sample card with small snippets of each colorway and attach it to your notes.
By following these steps and maintaining detailed records, you can create a repeatable hand-dyed yarn colorway that can be reproduced consistently.
Thank you to all of those who have supported Muffs development and continue to cheer me on.
You can view all Muffs listed fibre art systems here:
https://muffs.co.nz
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https://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/MuffsMerino
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Kindly, Lori from Muffs Merino