Hot off the needles

No, I didn't knit these uber-quickly; they have been on their needles for weeks and have just been completed.  I usually knit socks then go back and put in the heels.
Lots of learning curves with striping......on to another pair.

 

 

My first self-dyed Christmas socks

Getting ready for fall

Here is the pair of autumn stripes I finished the other day.  I hope they stay colorfast.  I used food dyes.

Knit Picks

     This is a great shout-out to Kamber at Knit Picks.  I just got off the phone with her, asking tons of questions about acid dyes for dyeing my yarns.  Most of my natural yarn comes from Knit Picks because a) the price is right and b) no one can beat how soft the Bare Stroll is.....the more washed the socks are the more like cashmere they feel.  (Hand-washing advocate here.)
     Kamber, your help was invaluable and I will take your advice.  Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Sneak Peak

Okay, okay----those who know me well know I CANNOT keep a secret, when I am making something for someone.  I'm just too excited.  (I can keep other secrets.)

Here are two sock sets I've dyed.  

Success!  Self-striping knitting is such a blast.

 

This is what the mill looks like with 100 grams of wool----462 yds. of this brand.

The mill rotates smoothly like a windmill---mesmerizing and addicting.  It puts me in "the zone" and unfortunately only takes 30 minutes.

Each color of striping takes about five yards of warp (for lack of a better term)....the knitmath is fascinating and is best left to daylight hours.

 

Tying it off at intervals----still tangles threaten once the wool is wet.  Courage!

Tying takes upwards of a few hours if you add more ties (which I am prone to do).

You have to learn to like each stage of the process or you'll be miserable.

Don't ask how I know.  :)

 

I remember my weaving days.....when I dress the mill there are 20 yards in circumference....loosely chained, as above, it is only 2 yds, which makes it easy to store for future dyeing.

Hot dog, a very happy dyer here.

 

My autumn stripes.  I'm not into tonal---I like my stripes fully saturated.  Still, it is knitting up to be a lovely pair of socks.