SSSI - just to let you know what is available

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Five kits ready for distribution

Dyeing details

There is a kit for the first stage of the process. Each of the five kits contains:-
1 10 bundles of superwash merino fibre weighing approximately 100g. each
2 2 500ml. bottles of dye, one of the main gold colour (this is the one with the warning on the top) and the second the accent colour. Beware, these are fairly strong concentrations to ensure that there is sufficient dye for all of the fibre.
3 Gloves
4 Syringes
5 Spoons
In addition to what is included your group will need to provide vinegar, a suitable dye pot and the other dyeing equipment you usually use. Please be conscious of all health and safety aspects of dyeing at home and if you are uncertain ask.
I have done some sampling and 50ml. of dye solution should give a good gold colour on each 100g. bundle. The wool is very "hungry" and tends to take up the dye extremely well and very quickly.
The method I used was to dye the gold first then enhance it with the second colour as follows:- Please note this is not the only method and for those using blue and or purple it may be advisable to space dye both colours to ensure you do not end up with green or just mud colour.
1 take one of the bundles, unwind it and, if you wish, loosely chain it to make a more controllable unit. Thoroughly wet this wool by soaking it in cold water for 15 – 20 minutes.
2 place your dye pot on the stove and add barely enough cold water so that the wool will just be covered when it is added. To the water add 30ml. of vinegar and then 50ml. of your gold dye solution, stir well then add the wetted wool ensuring it is just submerged. Bring the dye pot slowly to simmering point while very gently moving the wool. Keep at this point for 5 minutes or until the water in the dye pot is clear. This is referred to as exhausting the dye bath . Turn off the heat.
3 Now is the time to play with your second colour. Using a syringe add the second colour to sections of the dye bath and give a gentle poke to encourage it into the wool. You may wish to give variety by using the accent colour at varying strengths in each batch you do. If so dilute some of the dye in a separate bottle by adding a measured amount of dye solution, say 10ml. of dye and 40ml. water, then 20ml. dye and 30ml water and so on. Alternatively variety could be given by varying the amount of the second colour added but be aware that you only have 500ml to use for all 10 bundles of wool. Once you are happy with the "space dyed " effect very gently bring the dye pot back up to simmering point and keep at that temperature for another 5 minutes the water should be clear at the end of this stage. If it is not you have used too much dye solution for the quantity of wool
4 You can leave this to cool in the dye pot then rinse well and dry. As this is superwash wool it should not felt so, if you wish to get on and dye another batch, tip the content of the dye bath into a sink full cold water and rinse well The water in the dye pot and the rinsing water should be clear at this stage and effectively all you are putting down the sink is a very dilute vinegar solution.

If you are uncertain or run into difficulties and will not be able to complete on time please get in touch as soon as possible there are many experianced dyers in our guild.

Testing the dyes

The basic gold colour

Various accent colours added

The overall plan for the year is as follows:-

Welcome to the Lancs & Lakes Guild Golden Jubilee Challenge,

It is a collective challenge this year to join together to produce a blanket which ultimately will be sold, auctioned or raffled for charity. The blanket will be made of 50 elements, 49 squares and the 50th element to join them all.
Please get together in five geographical groups and try to involve as many members as possible.
The first stage is the dyeing of the fibre. 5 kits have been prepared for distribution to regional groups. Please join in with any group you wish, to learn and enjoy. All the dyed fibre should be returned, hopefully in the original 100g. batches, to the guild on or before the April meeting.
In the morning of the April meeting all the fibre in all its glory will be ready to be admired and re-distributed for spinning. There should be 50 100g. batches available for spinners. Examples of the ideal range of weights/thickness will also be available. It is not necessary that you take the colour-way that you dyed if another colour inspires you. Spinning can be a solitary process but also a chance to share your skills with others. Join and enjoy. The spun wool needs to be returned at the jubilee picnic in July where we can show it off to all our old friends.
The next stage is to produce 49 8 inch squares, which can be knitted, crocheted or woven. Will weavers be aware that their square will need a crochet edge to give the same elasticity as the other units. The squares are to be collected to start the joining process at the October meeting when, depending upon other guild activities, it may be possible to start joining, otherwise Joining days will be organised so that as many members as possible can take part.
January 2010 final presentation.

Our guild is celebrating it's 50th. year during 2009. To mark the occasion we are participating in a special challenge which is to collectively produce a blanket from hand dyed and spun wool. The blanket will be made up of 50 elements, 49 squares and one element to join them all. This is a blog to record the process.

choosing the colours