To Dye or Not To Dye

Norma was very creative with her 'I is for Internet' post for the ABC-Along.  If we didn't have this medium as a way to communicate we would have had little chance to find and/or 'know' each other.  Even with some of the Utah Grrls, we wouldn't have met had it not been for the Internet.

Bloggers often joke about enabling and coercing each other into buying yarn, more yarn than they need, more fiber for our 'addiction', but we do so much more than that.  More encouragement and support is offered for this art and craft(s), which we enjoy, than the terms 'enabling' and 'addiction' might conjure.  We speak the same language, enjoy the same endeavors and learn from each other through this show of support. 

Susan and I have talked about dyeing yarn for some time, and Dave has encouraged me to do so, too.  Dave and Scout have been selling some of their creative pursuits and I just happened to snag one from Dave's Etsy Store on Tuesday.  Hand dyed sock yarn disappears quickly and the Parrot Sock yarn was mine by sheer luck!   

Dyeing sounds like a messy, time consuming task and a rather inexact one at that. But, there is inspiration everywhere, like the colors of the red bud and forscythia flowers.   I've been dragging my feet and despite purchasing yarn, Kool Aid and Easter Egg dyes (plus, a few Gaywool dyes with Susan), I have not dunked a single skein.  So, along comes Scout, who has enabled in such a way that dyeing becomes a necessity.  Because of the Dye-O-Rama I have a secret pal to dye for and one who will dye for me…enabling encouragement at it's finest.

Creating greeting cards is something I've longed to try and finally jumped in because of Project Spectrum's Postcard swap.  When I blogged about my desire Lisa offered to send some of her cards as inspiration.  The four cards that Lisa sent were more than an inspiration…they were something to which I could only aspire!  How could I be that creative or 'exact'?  My skills with glue haven't improved much since I was 8 years old!  My fingers, clothes and any paper around me are soon pasted together in very uncreative and messy way.

Lisa kindly informed me that there were many forms of adhesives, so I headed back to the paper store and, low and behold…there were tons!  Glue dots, glue strips, glue sticks and mono-dispensers!   Now my cards have a more 'professional' look and the frustration of dealing with glue is completely gone.  This is fun stuff and very creative.  Texture, color, doodads and stamps…I'm having a great time!

Yesterday my SockapalOOOza socks were sent via US Mail. They shouldn't take too long to arrive as my pal is only a state away.  She loves pink, red and black, and while I  might be giving myself away, she'll know soon enough.

Thank you to Alison  for taking on this project a third time and to Erin, the angel, who kept track of us. Thank you, also to Carole for printing off the Sockpaloooza label to wrap around my socks.  I'll be waiting by the mail box all week just in case the socks arrive from my pal.

Comments

[Dave Daniels]

Wow, all this dyeing is enough to make your head spin. Welcome to the Cult of Dyeing. We are many. You are not alone. Send all monies to....

[Your Secret Sock Pal]

Dear Sock pal,

I would definitely say you should be waiting by the mail box. As your package was at the post office at 8:00 am yesterday morning. so it should be on the way to you as I type this. I hope you enjoy your socks as I enjoyed making them for you.

Sincerely yours,

Secret (Soon not to be so secret) Sock pal

[Lucia]

When I started blogging I swore I wouldn't get sucked into swapping. I have now been blogging since (late) January and am on my third swap. I am utterly hopeless. It is fun, though, isn't it? So much to learn, so little time.

[Alison]

I've been wanting to do some dyeing as well. I've done a little with Kool-Aid and Wilton cake dye, but I really want to get into the acid dyes.

I never thought the internet would become such an integral part of my life. I've kept in touch with high school and college friends that I would have long since lost touch with but for the internet. We've all moved around so much (some even out of the country), but email addresses often stay the same. And I've also made so many new friends through my craft on the internet. It is a wonderful thing.

[Jen]

I can't wait for my socks to arrive, too!!! Poor mail lady won't know what to think when I meet her at the box everyday.

I bought some Easter egg dye myself, but haven't tried it out yet. Didn't join Scout's group since I didn't want to send my first try off to some poor unsuspecting fool. I know I'll eventually get around to it, though.

[Kathleen]

I have been contemplating dyeing for a while too...One of these days. Way to go with the cards. Like quilting, I don't have the patience for things that require exactness...cutting fabric, cutting paper.

[hillary]

I did a little dyeing a few months ago and I can't wait to do more for the dye-o-rama. It's just one of the many things I never imagined doing before I started reading the blogs.

[Carole]

I bought dyes and all the supplies months ago. I think I'm just chicken to take the plunge!

[marie in florida]

""Texture, color, doodads and stamps""

i worked in that part of the store on monday. i had NO idea there was so much to choose from. wonderful stuff and if i end up working in that department again i might just catch that bug too.

[erin]

Thank you, but really it's been fun to watch everyone's sock adventures. Now I cannot wait to see the socks everyone recieves.

[regina]

Norma is inspiring, isn't she? Thanks to her, I've been thinking about planting a small dye garden, though I'm trying to figure it out logistically. I'd like to try acid dyes soon. I've been reading up on them and trying to educate myself. My kids are quite excited about the prospect of experimenting with dye. should be fun.

[Leah]

How fun! I've been getting into the scrapbooking/postcarding as well, all do to Lolly and PS, and it is great fun!

And you should so try the dying. I've given it a whirl, with roving, and it's wonderful! The creative process is invigorating!

[Scout]

It really isn't as messy as it seems. I did it once years ago and never did it again because of the mess. But now I have it down pretty well. I'd be happy to share my secrets with you if you want! :)

[Beth S.]

"Only a state away" means they're not for me! Sniff.

;-)

You're brave to leap headfirst into the dyeing. The whole thing seems as mysterious as alchemy to me.

[Kristy]

Didn't I tell you that you would begin acquiring a stash of papercraft supplies? I'm telling you, between my own stash, plus my yarn stash, my home is being taken over.

I love the Wild Asparagus line that is in your photo -- really pretty papers and embellishments!

One of these days I'd like to make the trek to the "City" and meet with some of the Utah grrls. Would that be okay?

[Sneaksleep]

I've been thinking a lot about cards and stuff, and although I doubt I'll have the time/skill/dedication to make my own wedding invites, I would like to try to make a few cards sometime soon. Once again, you've inspired me.

[Pumpkinmama]

And here I was, hoping those socks were for me. Alas, I am much more than one state over. You've got a lucky pal. Have fun dyeing - it is very addictive.

[Stephanie]

Well, technically I'm only a state away. I'll keep my fingers crossed that those beauties are for me. First paper and now dyeing. You're putting me to shame.

[Kim]

I have to agree with you about knitbloggers offering encouragement and support. Blogging has been such a wonderful medium for me--to be inspired(and maybe sometimes inspire others). I love that bloggers have helped me improve my own skills as well as lead me to other interests. I wouldn't be a part of my current knit group without the help of blogland:)

[Peg]

Must get out my dye pot! Speaking of what we share, Margene, I used your method of cast on when I started my Eleanora socks yesterday! So we do share with each other and learn, even if we have never met! I am knitting with an ash/brown and it is not easy to see the pattern as I am knitting, maybe I need the new needles with lights!! What will they think of next?

[Rebekah]

Ahhh the joy of enabling someone new with a new part of the crafting world. It really is a thrill.

[Maryann]

Yes, dyeing is fun, but sometimes unpredictable! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

[michele]

Your sockpal is so lucky...I can't wait to see what you receive. I missed being a part of it this time...maybe if there is a fourth session...take care.

[Chris]

True, true - blogging has done more to stiumulate my creativity than anything in many, many, many years.