From a knitter living in Hampden in the South Island of New Zealand.
Friday, August 1, 2008
they keep coming in colours.
Man's Fair Isle socks using colours from onion skins, eucalyptus, brazilwood and lichen. And they fit. Last time I tried making Fair Isle in a man's size they ended up much smaller. My size in fact, which was quite handy. Unintended, of course.
Well, the black and white are natural colours, of course, but, yes, the rest I dyed. Brazilwood, Madder, Cochineal and all that useful stuff is available from Ashfords.
They look gorgeous and the fisherman's hat suits its owner I hope he was pleased. Have you tried any natural dye extracts? I found an Aussie company that sells them and thought I might sample some. My madder alpaca is not nearly as red as yours. Maybe alpaca doesn't take the colour so deeply.
The owner was really thrilled with the hat which was gratifying. I wouldn't mind trying the natural dye extracts - what varieties do they offer? Maybe we could share. The madder red might have been beginner's luck, although I did watch the temperature like a hawk. I could try some alpaca next time and compare.
What a coincidencethey fit you...lol. Forgive me for doubting it was in accident. I just came over from Ravelry (Susedolamroth) and I adore your blog! It hleps I have a soft spot for sheep ;-)
You are most welcome. The more the merrier. And I'm sure you've heard that Kiwis are very fond of sheep, so no doubt I'll be tempted to put up more pics.
6 comments:
Wow! That's clever. Or rather, you're clever. Did you do all that dyeing yourself from your own wool.
I am inspired - off to look at fleeces...
Well, the black and white are natural colours, of course, but, yes, the rest I dyed. Brazilwood, Madder, Cochineal and all that useful stuff is available from Ashfords.
They look gorgeous and the fisherman's hat suits its owner I hope he was pleased.
Have you tried any natural dye extracts? I found an Aussie company that sells them and thought I might sample some.
My madder alpaca is not nearly as red as yours. Maybe alpaca doesn't take the colour so deeply.
The owner was really thrilled with the hat which was gratifying. I wouldn't mind trying the natural dye extracts - what varieties do they offer? Maybe we could share.
The madder red might have been beginner's luck, although I did watch the temperature like a hawk. I could try some alpaca next time and compare.
What a coincidencethey fit you...lol. Forgive me for doubting it was in accident. I just came over from Ravelry (Susedolamroth) and I adore your blog! It hleps I have a soft spot for sheep ;-)
You are most welcome. The more the merrier. And I'm sure you've heard that Kiwis are very fond of sheep, so no doubt I'll be tempted to put up more pics.
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