The ugliest yarn in the whole USA

Posted on | July 25, 2007 | 8 Comments

Remember these merino singles?

CIMG3898-1.JPG

Making a two-ply was a bad idea.  The colors muddied and a good portion of the roving was already muddy-colored so the resulting yarn just looked like … well …. see for yourself.

CIMG3904-1.JPG

Blech.  It looks like some sort of sick spaghetti.  What’s worse is that I overdyed it last night and the best I can say for it is that it’s “better.”  Still not good.  I attempted a low water immersion (not really knowing what that is – google wasn’t helpful and Deb Menz doesn’t mention it in her chapter on immersion dyeing) but I think I used too much dye and again, my colors are muddy, not the clear, bright hues I want.  The yarn is still soft and it doesn’t look like all this dyeing has injured it, so I’m going to overdye it once more and if that doesn’t work I’ll dye it black.  Hear that, yarn?!?  You’d best behave.  Or I’ll felt your ass.

The good thing is – I have three books on dyeing (I can’t even remember what they all are now, the Twisted Sisters sock book is one of them) on their way from Interweave’s Hurt Book Sale, so maybe I’ll learn some tips and tricks and get some good results!  Which would be a nice change.

It’s heartening to know that you guys are suffering too.  Not that I’d wish this lethargy on anyone, but misery loves company and all that.  It’s just nice to know that I’m not in it alone! 

Category: Dyeing

Comments

8 Responses to “The ugliest yarn in the whole USA”

  1. jenifleur
    July 25th, 2007 @ 11:01 am

    It’s NOT ugly. I know you already overdyed it, but for future reference, I don’t think it’s muddy. I think it’s subtle and I can imagine knitting it and the finished object is gorgeous! You’re going to love Twisted Sisters. Even if you never make or do anything from the book, the pictures are so inspiring. It lives on my nightstand so I can dream colorful fiber dreams. Gonna miss you in the spinning class, but I decided not to take the natural dyeing for the same reason-don’t want to use up my entire saturday in classes, even though it would probably be very good for my checking account.

    Can’t wait for SAFF, either. I’ve been trying to do some serious planning and organizing for it this past week and it’s making me wish hard that it was closer. I’m already thinking what I’d like to knit for it [though I am staunchly opposed to the idea of Rhinebeck Sweaters for SAFF, don't want to get that tradition started!] since it’s usually so chilly. That’s the way a fiber festival should be, don’t you think? Cold and conducive to piling on the fiber!

  2. Abby Franquemont
    July 25th, 2007 @ 11:04 am

    Would it make you feel any better if I told you the fiber I’m not getting the results I want dyeing is cashmere/bombyx top? Colours: fabulous. Top: compacting beyond belief.

    *punching at the air*

    This is not the catastrophe for me that it COULD be, because I can save the fiber by carding it. But my handpainted top, dammit!! ARGH!

  3. Carrie
    July 25th, 2007 @ 11:18 am

    I thought it looked neat, myself. Maybe not what you were going for, but definitely not ugly.
    And yes, the doldrums are all over. I think it’s summer. When I was a kid, summer was about freedom, playing in the pool, and all the good fruit that was finally available. Now it’s about heat and higher bills. I think I’m still bitter about losing my summer vacation.

  4. Carole
    July 25th, 2007 @ 1:36 pm

    Threatening the yarn? I’m thinking that’s not a good idea. ;-)

  5. Rachel
    July 25th, 2007 @ 3:31 pm

    It’s hard to spin pastel colors as a two-ply and not have them muddy up, at least in my opinion. That being said, I don’t think your yarn is that terrible. Obviously not what you were going for, but far from the ugliest yarn in the USA! :) I hope the next dye job works out the way you hope.

  6. Heather
    July 26th, 2007 @ 10:04 am

    You know, it is pastel, which isn’t for everyone, but it is for some people. I keep thinking I should start an Etsy store for the things I don’t like (shhh! don’t tell anyone I said that!) because there is bound to be someone out there who thinks it’s fabulous. I am very interested in this overdyeing idea – show us a photo!

  7. Jen
    July 26th, 2007 @ 1:42 pm

    E, I hate to tell you this, but you dye the absolutely most fabulous pastel colors ever. I do love the bright colors as well, but everytime you make a pastel skien…well, lets just say I could eat it up. :)

  8. joyce
    July 31st, 2007 @ 8:36 pm

    bwaaahhh! i’ll felt your ass. i love it.

    new threat to employ with my teenagers.

    but, um, i think your yarn is lovely! will you teach me to spin if i teach you to dye?