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Post by halay on Aug 2, 2015 13:22:10 GMT
Sonia, I agree with you - kap merino is unsuitable for scarves but works well if you are making balls for jewelery, or flowers (they keep the shape), or bracelets, or some 3D objects.
I haven't tried dyeing my projects after felting for the same reason - I don't want to spoil the thing right at the end, but I will definitely try it on a small piece first.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Aug 2, 2015 14:39:12 GMT
It’s always interesting to have such a discussion about wool fibers, because everyone’s experiences are a bit different. Although I have never tried cap merino, I did enjoy working with karakul, and like the natural caramel color. Like Nada, I have never tried dyeing a project after making it. I have made white pre-felt and dyed it afterwards, but that’s different. Maybe someday I will be confident enough with my dyeing to try that.
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Post by Pandagirl on Aug 2, 2015 17:23:11 GMT
Thanks for sharing your findings Sonia. I've only dyed samples after felting. I imagine it takes some experience and confidence in your dyeing skills to attempt more elaborate items. Definitely try the colored cap you may be more comfortable with it then.
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Post by Shepherdess on Aug 2, 2015 22:16:09 GMT
If you are looking for a solid colour I would soak the piece to make sure it was completely wet. Then add it to a cold dye pot with the dye already in it then stir your piece and make sure it has soaked up dye all over then heat it.I would leave it to cool in the pot.
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Post by koffipot on Aug 3, 2015 16:47:02 GMT
I have tried out the Kap merino now. I found that laying it thinly on its own was useless, as it wouldnt hold together ( obvious now that I think about it !) I tried a thin layer with silk & altho I wouldnt prefer it for a scarf, I think it would be good for clothing. You would get a thin fabric with some substance. I also laid out a thick layer & think it would be excellent for bags, vessels & even a soft but strong rug ! It has a flat appearance in comparison to other wools, but that could be good for a change. I had two doubts : The Kap I have is white, so would have to be dyed after felting. I know lots of experienced people only work in white & dye their items afterwards. I have always hesitated to do all the work & then risk ruining it during dyeing ! I think I need to do a "dyeing felted clothing" seminar, if I could find one ! I love dyeing fibres, silk, cottons etc but the results can be unpredictable, which is part of the appeal ! I am sure I wouldnt be able to dye it before felting ! It sounds as if some of you are buying it already dyed, so I should try that. And since it seems to shed little balls a bit when it is wet, I wondered if it would be inclined to do that, in the friction a bag or a rug experiences. However, I have scratched away at it & when dry, it does not shed at all. I made my cap merino into a gilet/vest and have worn it several times without 'pilling' problems. |
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Post by MTRuth on Aug 3, 2015 20:55:04 GMT
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Aug 3, 2015 22:47:10 GMT
Ruth, your dyed items all turned out well. Did you use acid dyes? I particularly like the hat with the intriguing folds and “peachy keen” color.
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Post by MTRuth on Aug 3, 2015 23:02:16 GMT
Cathy - yes, I used acid dyes. The jacket I think I put in the pot of color and heated for 30 minutes. The other two I poured the colors on and then steamed. Glad you like the hat, it's a little weird.
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Post by Shepherdess on Aug 4, 2015 11:36:43 GMT
Great stuff Ruth, Is that the hat out of Chad Alice Hagen's book?
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Post by MTRuth on Aug 4, 2015 16:21:27 GMT
No, that hat is of my own invention. I used it as a sample for one of my hat classes. I have actually never seen Chad Alice Hagen's books.
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Post by Shepherdess on Aug 5, 2015 1:36:59 GMT
Yours looks better actually. The pictures of it in the book look good but if you look at the template you realise that the hat has been manipulated for the photo and would not look right from any other angel than the pictured one. I made it to show in a class too.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2015 13:53:57 GMT
Hello Ruth, your dyed felted pieces are fantastic.. Your Hat is especially great..... Where do you teach at Ruth?  |
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Post by MTRuth on Aug 17, 2015 17:34:22 GMT
Thanks Judy. I do my online classes and occasional classes (very occasional at the moment) at Camas Creek Cottage in Kalispell, MT.
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