After my success at dyeing my handspun alpaca fibre, which I subsequently used to knit a sweater, I wondered how it would work out if I dyed the prepared fibre first. A while ago I decided to dye some carded batts.
I used acid dyes which are activated by acid (I use citric acid, which I’d added to the dye solution) and heat. I laid the batts on clingfilm, slightly overlapping, and poured the dye on, forming stripes of each colour, squishing the fibre with gloved fingers to help the dye cover it all and encourage the colours to bleed into one another. More clingfilm was added on top, excluding air and creating a seal at the edges.
This was then rolled up ready for the microwave.
I microwaved the rolls for 5 minutes in 1 minute bursts. Acid dyes bind to the fibres leaving clear liquid behind – that’s a good indicator that they are ready. I unwrapped them, rinsed carefully and hung up to dry.
I spun the fibre in colour sequence and chain plied it to keep that sequence intact to create yarn that shaded from blue and navy into teal and turquoise and shades of green then back again.
I chose the Ox pattern from Knitty Bitty (available free on Ravelry). All rows are the same (which makes it easier: no pattern repeats to count), with a sort of 3×3 rib of knit stitches and increases/decreases. This gives the scarf a lovely texture.
I’m really pleased with the colours and the way they shade into one another.
I made the scarf wider than the actual pattern and about 75 inches long so it can loop around my neck. It goes really well with this teal coloured fleece jacket.
I’ve now worn this combination – it looks great and the scarf is so warm and cozy, perfect for approaching winter! There’s some yarn left. I wonder if there’s enough for a matching hat?
Stitches by the Sea 