Category Archives: tutorial

tutorial

Tutorial: How to dye cotton

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After my food dye tutorial a few people have asked for a tutorial using cotton. Well here it is!

For this tutorial I got all my items from Lincraft. If you’re in Australia they are the ones to use! Such fast shipping and quality cotton.

You will need:

Dylon dyes

Sunflower Yellow
Available here: http://www.lincraft.com.au/dylon-hand-dye-2
Flamingo Pink
Available here: http://www.lincraft.com.au/dylon-hand-dye-4
Bahama Blue
Available here: http://www.lincraft.com.au/dylon-hand-dye-3
Squeeze containers similar to tomato sauce/mustard bottles

Cotton yarn
I used this one http://www.lincraft.com.au/shop/knitting-crochet/yarn/lincraft-cotton/lincraft-cotton-8ply-natural
Elastic bands
Warm water
Plastic bag
Gloves

I began with crocheting my squares, but you can also dye the uncrocheted item. I love the chunky look so doubled the yarn and used an 7mm hook. Once everything is crocheted up it’s time to prepare for dyeing!

There are several ways to dye cotton, and my way is just one of many. I found it worked for me, but experimentation is the key.

Once again, I did this outside as the dye is unforgiving.

I wrapped my crochet squares with elastic bands. This was basically to keep them together for the first stage. Don’t worry too much and you don’t have to do this step if you don’t want to.

Next I mixed the dyes with warm water. Always follow the directions on the packet, but in this case I mixed one pack with 250ml water. I put this into the squeeze containers. Make sure it is well mixed! The containers make it easier to control the dye and is different to traditional dyeing where you submerge the item into a bucket of dye.

Now if the fun part, make sure your gloves are on!

Pour the dye into the cotton. Small amounts at a time until you are used to it! There is no right or wrong way. I found adding a tiny bit of water and squeezing the dyes together gave a really nice effect and helped them blend. I then cut the elastic bands off and filled in the remaining areas  with dye. Keep going until you are happy with the results.

Place your item into a plastic bag and leave overnight where cats/dogs/small children cannot get at it.

Rinse the item in water until the water runs clear. Place somewhere to dry and enjoy!

The result is unpredictable and amazing! I love playing with colours and seeing what happens.

I’ll turn these into cushions so stay tuned for photos!

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Crochet, Patterns, tutorial

A creative Spin On Corner To Corner

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The corner to corner pattern is really simple and quick to work up. By simply changing the direction of the square there are endless possibilities and ways to create something unique. These blankets require a bit of planning but the results are amazing. I like to make squares 10 rows x 10 rows and change colours half way through. There are no rules with these blankets and it’s easy for your creativity to take over!

Idea 1.

This is great for a feature colour. The diamond pattern would look great repeating over the blanket!

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Idea 2.

This would make a chevron style blanket. Use two colour for a bold look, or choose 1 bold colour, and 2 similar shades for a cool 3D look. IMG_2169

Idea 3.
With a big of planning on paper before you start this blanket would look fantastic! Imagine bold diagonal lines! There are several ways to customize this blanet too, choose 1 bold colour and have the diagonal line repeat every second ‘row’ or have the whole blanket as several diagonal lines!

 

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Idea 4.
This is a cool design which looks best with 3 colours. Choose 2 similar colours for the centre and 1 bold colour for the outside. You can also customize this by having another set of colour and creating a checkerboard effect.

 

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Idea 5.
This is an awesome idea to make a colourful blanket with bold shapes and lines. The repeating pattern would look great or mix it up with another set of colours.

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tutorial, Yarn

Food colouring + wool =?

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Over the weekend I found some 100% wool on sale for $1/50g! Naturally I brought 22 balls. I decided to turn the off white yarn into something bright and funky that I could use to turn into a brilliant blanket.
I had previously dyed about 100g and had mixed results.
You will need
* Bucket
* White vinegar
* Food colouring
* Water
* Gloves
* Microwavable container
* Microwave
* Plastic to protect where you’re working
* and your wool. I have only tried this with 100%.
Fill your bucket with 2/3 parts tempered water 1/3 white vinegar. Add your wool. Make sure it’s fully submerged. Let this soak for anywhere between 30 minutes to overnight.
While you’re waiting you can get your other items ready. Water down your food colouring to 90% water 10% dye.  Separate these buy putting them into empty yogurt containers or similar.
Make sure your area is covered in plastic. I would recommend doing this outside on a surface that you wouldn’t mind getting colouring on. It’s very messy. I have ruined my bathroom tiles.
Once your wool is done gentle squeeze out the water. And now the fun part begins.
Please wear gloves or else you’ll get lovely coloured hands for a week. It’s awkward to explain why your hands are green and purple, trust me.
I dipped one end of the wool into the container and squeeze out the colour. Then dip the other and squeeze. Now it’s time to mix the colours. I find squashing the wool together gives great results. Don’t over mix the colours because brown happens.
When you’re happy with the result place into your microwavable container. Repeat until all balls are done.
Gently cover with cling wrap or similar and place in the microwave for 5 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool completely. It’s very hot, be very careful. Once cool place back into the microwave for 5 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool completely.
Once it’s cool gently rinse until the water runs clear. Squeeze out the excess water and place in the sun to dry. Ta da! It’s done. Admire your newly coloured wool!
This isn’t a quick project, It takes time to let the wool sit, cook, cool, and cook again. Then you need to wait for it to dry.
But eventually you are left with really unique wool! Do not expect every ball of wool to look the same, mixing colours can create some unexpected results. I advice to practice before you dye a whole lot.

The pictures show a blue/pink/purple mix and a rainbow mix.
I am not an expert on this so am still learning 🙂

Crochet, tutorial

Custom Crochet Hooks

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I’ve seen a lot of people using their custom crochet hooks and thought I’d give it a try. They’re really simple to make! The hardest part was deciding on colours!

You will need:
Metal Crochet Hook in your desired size
Polymer clay in your desired colours
Rolling pin
Baking tray and baking paper and oven

Simply roll your clay into a flat even rectangle. Get creative with colours and designs. Once you are happy with your designs preheat an oven. Please follow the directions on the packet for maximum temperatures. Put our baking paper on your tray and carefully place your hooks. I cooked mine for 7 minutes before turing them over and cooking for another 7 minutes. Be very careful as thy are boiling hot. Allow them to cool completely before touching with your bare hands. And you’re done! Enjoy your custom crocheting hook.

S