Are you blue?

Last week, I attended an indigo dyeing class at the Textile Center of Minnesota. I've dyed yarn with homegrown indigo before and it never really took. But this time, we experimented with pre-reduced Indigo Crystals that made a much deeper color.

The four small skeins in the back came out of a cold water dye and the darker, larger skein came out of a hot water dye vat. Both yarns are hand spun - I think it might be merino.

I also tried a little merino curls  - carding that up and then spinning it is next on the list! 

The class was full of amazing students - some dyeing fiber and hand spun yarn, some commercial yarns, some even dyeing linens and kimono fabric. 

I can't wait to try this on my own!

Blue skies ahead!

It is very chilly in Minnesota right now (I've heard it was snowing in Grand Marais but that's pretty far north of here!) but the grass has definitely turned green and the sky is blue, blue and more blue.

Remember this?



And this?


. . . which is now this?



Well, I've found another blue fiber here. I must restrain myself. I have about three old projects and two possible new projects right now.

I am lucky that WC Mercantile is located in Texas because I like everything in their shop. The Blue Belle Corridale, however, just really appeals to me. For me, blue isn't a sad color but a happy one. Now if it would just get a bit warmer so I could enjoy our blue skies!

(And I need to say thanks to the folks over at Phat Fiber for spreading the word about this fiber shop. I'd actually just heard about the Phat Fiber Sampler (a box of spinning fiber from different producers) on the podcast "Stash and Burn" and now I am really glad I took a further look.)

Coincidence?

This came right after . . .



this.

While I love winter, I am really looking forward to spring. I think I just need a little more blue sky.

I'm using the blue yarn, Crystal Palace Yarns' Merino 5 in 5228/Wedgewood to make the Child's Aran Sweater from Yankee Knitter Designs. I should have made a much simpler sweater but I've had a hankering for something a little fancier than the usual Wallaby. Well, at least the yarn is washable!