Fiber Arts, Textile Arts, Knitting, Dyes & Dyeing

Yarns to Dye For: Creating Self-Patterning Yarns for Knitting

Name: Yarns to Dye For: Creating Self-Patterning Yarns for Knitting
Author: Kathleen Taylor
ISBN: 9781931499811

by Kathleen Taylor

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Overview

Beginning and veteran knitters alike can learn how to produce homemade self-patterning yarns with this easy, step-by-step guide. Instructions are provided for choosing materials and equipment, skeining and preparing yarn, and painting and dyeing the yarn—all with materials that are found in most grocery and craft stores. Twenty-five quick projects, each presented with dyeing and knitting instructions, will help develop the reader's technique and produce exciting, colorful garments, including gloves, mittens, scarves, and even a summer shell. Guidelines for modifying projects, tips on embellishing, and ideas for leftover yarn are also included.

Synopsis

Knitters Review

"Explains the mystery behind self-patterning sock yarns, including how you can re-create those patterns yourself at home...."

About the Author, Kathleen Taylor

Kathleen Taylor is a freelance knitwear designer. She is the author of Knit One, Felt Too. She lives in Redfield, South Dakota.

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Editorials

KnitNet

The colors obtained are richer, with more clarity than many commercial self-patterning yarns . . . providing unusual and lovely color effects.

Knitters Review

"Explains the mystery behind self-patterning sock yarns, including how you can re-create those patterns yourself at home...."

Knitting News

"Even if you don't want to dye your own yarn, you can use this book for its great pattern ideas.... Great book!"

Knitty.com

"Unlocks the secrets of self-patterning yarn and teaches you how to do it yourself. Really. Even someone with the attention span of a gnat...can get it."

Library Journal

Sock knitters are fond of those self-patterning wool yarns that are dyed to create seemingly complex color patterns and yet require no more effort than simply knitting from the ball. Big-needle projects require heavier yarns, however, and commercial self-patterning yarns are available only in a limited range of weights and colors. Freelance knitwear designer Taylor (Knit One, Felt Too) thus set out to learn how to dye her own self-patterning yarns and here teaches the craft. The dyeing process is not a piece of cake-the author recommends a skein length of 40 feet to create a distinct pattern repeat-but it can certainly be done by following these instructions and is well worth the effort. Twenty-five technique-building projects with dyeing and knitting instructions for garments and accessories demonstrate the beauty of controlling not only the knitting process but the yarn color path as well. An excellent choice for public libraries where demand warrants. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.