Wool dyeing

Ann........so lucky I found your tutorial. I need to dye some wool and now I have all the info I need. I have never dyed wool before so this is really handy. Now I just need to find the dyes, they are acid dyes? Will let you know how i got on

thank you

Polly

Ann.. I know to my expense. I am still growing out half orange finger nails from my last batch of dyeing. I did go to a workshop, and the tutor told us that she covers her hands in cold cream first as a barrier and then puts on the golves. I have not tried it yet though.

Also do you know what the difference between felted wool and unfelted wool? I think what we refer to felted wool is felt, but not sure what is meant by unfelted wool. I have seen a few US mags that mention both of these in their requirements for projects.

Polly

Felted wool is regular wool that has been washed in hot water and mild detergent, agitated, rinsed in cold water to further shock the fibers, and then dried. The fibers shrink up and lock when they are felted so it doesn't ravel. You can use it for applique without turning the edges under. Wool felt is different from felted wool. Felted wool is anything made from wool fibers which includes yarns and knitting or crochet, or woven fabric..which is treated in a manner to make it shrink up. Wool felt is a mat of fiber usually made from snibbles and bits.of wool and often times made with a scrim to hold the fibers.

Regular wool is a piece of fabric that is woven and can be a loose or tight weave..thick or thin. If used without treating the edges it frays just like any other fabric.

I like the idea of cold cream on the hands before putting on the gloves. I think Vaseline might work too? Anything that's thick and greasy would be good? After my last dying my skin went back to normal after doing dishes and getting them wet a couple of times, but I had to wear nail polish to hide the ugly fingernails! :affraid:

What are you dying..and do you have a special project in mind for it?

Ann thank you for clearing that up. Strange how we have very slightly different names for certain things but could result in disaster if you get it wrong, especially when quilting. The project I have seen is a quilt by Sue Spargo which is made up of wool. I went to my local craft shop to get some felt for another project and they wanted £1 for a 20"x 15" square!!! So I thought I would dye some of my own. But never having dyed wool before I thought I better check first and thank goodness your here

But I am not allowed to start anymore projects until I have finished my pile of UFO's.......thats my kids orders lol But I am off to a quilt far next Saturday with mum, so I will look out for some undyed felt, and the wool dyes. I can at least dye them even if I dont use them just yet.....cant I ?

Sure go ahead and dye your wool. Technically you're not starting a new project..you are just stocking up on materials for a future project? If the kids give you any lip..tell them you have to get the wool dyed because it has to "cure". It doesn't of course..but they won't know the difference. It's OK to tell kids "white lies" to protect them from harm. The harm in this case is..if they nag at you..you might feel like hurting them? Just kidding!
'If you can find dyed felted wool in shops it's usually VERY pricey! It's so much better to felt your own wool from recycled clothing..or dye your own. I always check the thrift stores for wool skirts. Cream colored ones are the most common here..and are perfect for dying.

Here is a link I just found. That stuff is kinda high isn't it?


www.achildsdream.com

Yes..it's pricey! That's why my cheap self makes her own.