If springtime is offering you gray skies, pulling out the dye packets is a great way to put some instant color in your life. Dyeing wool can become addicting. I would even argue that it is a worthy hobby in and of itself. For me, color is the inspiration.
I like to take a look at my wool shelves and see what colors are all used up. Dusty pinks and light neutrals seem to always be in high demand. Now a plan starts to formulate, as I see what wool there is to dye and what formulas I want to use.
Another thing I like to do is to see what wool is sitting on my shelves that I never seem to use. Maybe it is too light or has too much white glowing through it. The color could be too bright and just doesn’t ever blend with anything. The color may just never grab me. Or I may have a big piece of wool that could be split into two and I could dye one piece of it. Here is an opportunity — change it by over-dyeing it.
Usually it doesn’t take much dye to make a subtle change to a bright wool, transforming it to a color more subtle. Start with the color’s complement or opposite on the color wheel. This is a sure way to tone it down. Be restrained when you over-dye lest you completely change a color.
For me dyeing wool to have a good selection of colors to hook from is often better than dyeing a specific color.
This way is more relaxing and I seem to be more open to what the dye pots bring.
After creating more variety, the beautiful colors seem to inspire me to start a project.
So be thankful for the season that keeps you indoors a few more days or weeks. It could be your call to the dye pots.
Have a creative day ~ Karen
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” ~A.A. Milne
