Dyeing Wool Black....take 1

My brother came up for Thanksgiving and discovered that I have taught myself how to spin. He has requested one of those beanies with an attached beard. So tonight I am dying black wool just for my brother, George. 

So first we gather supplies:

• The stirring stick (a random but useful stick from nature)
• Dye (I am using Rit black)
• A Big Pot
• Water
• Wool
• A Stove
• Plain White Vinegar
• Gloves

The stick is literally a random stick i found outside just so i didn't ruin any of my cooking utensils. A lot of dyes are toxic and you don't want to use anything you plan on cooking or preparing food in ever again.  

So in the pot you want to fill it about 3/4 of the way full of water and start it heating on the stove. I like to add about a cup of vinegar to the water while it's just getting hot. Once your pot of water almost simmering, i then add a good fist full of fiber. I am currently working with 100% sheep wool. I really wish i had asked the farmer who gave it to me what kind of sheep it is. 

So using your stick make sure all of the fiber is submerged. Gently turning the fiber in the pot taking care not to agitate it. 

And now for the magic! Add the dye a little at a time. You can follow the manufacturers' instructions if you want... I don't...I'm too lazy and this works for me. So I drizzle it in a little at a time, letting is slowly spread through-out the pot. I will use my stick to help the dye get into all the fibers. If it doesn't look like the dye is sticking to the fibers I'll add another up of vinegar. If you add too much, don't worry about it, it isn't going to ruin anything.

Next I let it sit in the pot with the heat on very low to maintain the heat of the water for about a half hour, gently stirring it now and then. I don't mind if some of the fibers are lighter than others I think it adds character to the finished product.




It turned out to look more burgundy in some light and black in others. I think he will like it. I cant wait to mix it with other colors when I card them together.

I love how this blue turned out! It really bright and vibrant. I dyed this about a week ago and hope to have some of it spun  and in my etsy store Craftywitchcorner.