Numana Yarns

This course is for those who are interested in dyeing wool, but don't want to invest in dedicated equipment to continue dyeing at home - just use what's already in your kitchen! You'll get to try out some of the same techniques we use in our dye studio, as well as take advantage of how some food colouring "breaks" to create fun gradients (something our professional acid dyes don't do as well).

Although not created for dyeing wool, food colouring can be used with acid dyeing methods. Unlike professional acid dyes, measuring for colours is less precise, colours may also differ from what it looks like when used in food, and colours may not be lightfast. Food colouring cannot create sharp speckles.

Topics covered in this course:

• the types of fibres that can be used with food colouring
• types of food colouring dyes you can use, how to mix dyes, and how to achieve lighter versus darker colours of the same dye
• limitations of using food colouring as a dye
• using "breaking" colours
• how to add acids, and considerations for the type of acid to use
• a brief overview of how colour theory factors into working with dyes
• how to "read a skein" so that the outcome is what you planned for
• washing and drying dyed yarn
• safety considerations when working with dyes and dyeing equipment

You will also practice the following dye techniques

• dip dyeing with a colour that breaks, to achieve a skein that changes colour using the same dye colour
• dyeing a tonal or semi-solid colour
• directly applying colour to yarn (2 different techniques)

Equipment that is REQUIRED for this course:

• thicker, lined dishwashing gloves (I find the Mr. Clean Bliss gloves work well, Save-On Foods carries the same gloves in their brand). A looser fit is preferred.
• older clothing that you don't mind getting dye on
• closed-toe footwear, suitably comfortable for standing on concrete floors (these shoes may get splashed with dye)
• a container for transporting wet yarn in

Your fee includes:

• required yarn, dyes, and acid (you will dye 4 skeins of sock yarn, but can double the amount as an add-on)
• use of dyeing equipment while in the dye studio
• helpful handouts for future reference

Warning: this class involves working in close proximity to hot water and hot equipment, including partially submerging gloved hands in hot dye pots for brief periods of time.

Class is restricted to those 14 years and older, minors under 18 must have parent participant as well.