Solar Dyeing...Let the Summer Heat Do the Work!

Looking for an interesting way to dye yarn?   This is an easy "Do It Yourself" way to dye using the heat of the sun.  Each skein will be unique, the colours will vary in each batch, and the colour will sometimes be solid or more variegated, this is not a precise colour method of dyeing.

First here is what you need:
black plastic garbage bags
large mason jars (also gallon freezer ziploc bags will work but it’s not quite as easy to fill)
citric acid or white vinegar
acid dyes
protein fibre(wool, locks, silk)

Mason Jars

large measuring cup for pouring water into jars
plastic spoon or measuring spoon for dye
wooden skewers


Once you have everything ready....start with filling a couple large dye pots with water and a few tablespoons of citric acid then bring to a boil.  Measure out your fibre, usually 2-4 oz bundles is a good size(to fit in a mason jar) and soak these bundles in water.

Dyes

Next add dye to your  mason jars and then add your 2-4 oz. bundle of either wool or locks...again amount will depend on the thickness of the fibre you are using, i.e. you could put more silk in a jar than wool.  Adjust your dye to the "bulk" of your fibre.

Dyes with Jars

Once the jar is filled with fibre pour the boiling water into the jars.  Using a measuring cup adds in your accuracy of getting the liquid into the jars.  Fill the jar about a 3/4 of the way (it will depend on how much fibre you have in the jar...so a bit more or less).  Once that has been done...push the bundle down using a skewer, if there is room at the top add more of your citric acid solution.

Yarn Solar Dyeing

Mason Jars filled with Yarn Solar Dyeing

Now put the lids on the jars and put the jars outside to set, do this when the sun is strongest!.  Put the jars in an area that gets the most direct sunlight.  If I need to “force” some extra heat, put a black plastic bag under the jars or if it isn't as hot as it was predicted that day you can put the jars IN a black plastic bag, and tie the top.. this will create some extra heat.
For Solar Dyeing to work you must reach at least 185 degrees F.  for at least 30 minutes...longer is better (3-4 hours). During this time the dye is adhering to the protein in the fibre.
When the dyes are set, the water-which was at first the color of your dye- will be clear, and your fiber will be dyed. Remember this technique creates a variance in colour in each skein and jar.    A way to create a tye dye look is to put your dry fibre in first then add the dye colour then more fibre more dye colour and repeat and at the end add your citric water.  The water will then filter down.

Solar Dyed Yarns

Solar Dyed Yarns Drying 

I was really pleased with how my yarns turned out!  The colours are great and it was quite simple!  I hope you find the instructions and pictures easy to follow.  I found the original article on Jazzturtle's How to Do it.

Shearing at the Farm

April 1, 2014....FINALLY April.....but not too much has changed weather wise...although there is some thawing!  So what's happening on the farm?

Well, with the "warmer" weather sheering has begun!  First on the list are the goats....next sheep followed by the Alpacas.  It really is quite the process, first we sheer the animal, evaluate the fibre and from there the washing and picking begins.  In fact Omar's fibre is washed now!  You may remember Omar, the handsome black Angora ram.  

Currently we have 4 babies, the older bucklings born Dec 31, 2013, Mick, born in March, the black babydoll, who is for sale and our newest Macy, a white angora, just born last week.  Up next is Jill and possibly Meg.  For those wondering about the Alpacas...they should have their babies in the summer, July/August.  Remember we have Alpacas for sale too, you can call our check them out either on our website www.elmleafarm.com or through AlpacaSeller.ca.

This past week I took a break from hand knitting and created a new sweater on the knitting machine, it is so fast!  For those of you who have ever though about buying a knitting machine...do it!  It is such a time saver. While I enjoy hand knitting, every now and then a machine is great for the instant gratification!  I will show you the finished product next week, just being washed now.

I am looking forward to reopening the store and having visitors!  Until then, the store is open by appointment.  Just call 705-778-7020.

Merry Christmas

Hello Everyone!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year!
I would like to first thank everyone for their support over 2013 and we look forward to growing in 2014!

The store hours for now will be by appointment or by chance, Thursday thru Sunday.  You can call the farm at
705-778-2070.

We still have fibre products, ranging from hats, to scarves, socks and insoles as well as yarns, wool and Alpaca and other blends.  I am finding people really appreciate the time and effort put into hand spun yarn and I will continue to create more!  Because the hand crafted stock in the store is hand made, it is always changing!  You can also visit us on the Esty Store under Elmlea Farm

We of course continue to have farm fresh eggs and there is assorted sausages as well as different types of burger ranging from beef to lamb to goat.

I will be in Maynooth on February 15, 2014 at the library and the time will be 10-4 pm. 

We are keeping a close watch on our girls...Alpacas, Goats and Sheep to see who might be pregnant. 

That's it for now! 

Continue to be safe over the holidays!  And Enjoy!

Old English Babydoll Southdown

My new babies are arriving tomorrow. Inkspot is a little black ram and whiteout is a white girl.