Back to School
I always loved going back to school. Every new year, every new semester always felt like the beginning of an exciting new adventure, full of new books and fresh supplies. When my children started home schooling, it was similar. I loved starting each new beginning term, anticipating all the new things we’d learn and try together.
This week I got to go back to school again with Beast to Blanket and a class of eleven 3rd-5th graders. What a fun group they are!
Yarn Dyeing: Demonstration
I like doing Kool Aid dyeing for the first class. It’s fun, dramatic, and attention-grabbing for the students. It also provides the opportunity to introduce them to the properties of wool, to talk about other animals and plants we use for fiber, to explain the science behind acid dyeing a protein fiber, and to break the ice between a gaggle of students and an unfamiliar teacher.
Above, you can see steps in the process from when I dyed my demonstration skein for the class. The top right shows the contents right after everything has been added to the jar. The bottom right shows the change after several hours. Notice how the liquid is basically clear after all the dye particles have bonded to the yarn? The top left is how the skein of yarn looked coming out of the jar, with all the interesting variations in the intensity of the dye strikes. The bottom left is the dried and finished skein, ready for transport when I went back to school on Monday. You can see how the skein originally looked by comparing it with the students’ yet-to-be-dyed skeins underneath.
Yarn Dyeing: Students’ Turn!
This is what came home with me after class. Actually, these photos were taken the next day, and you can see that the dyeing process has finished in several of the jars. For this particular class, each student was given a little over 50 yards of yarn to dye. The students who chose to use only one packet of Kool Aid in their jar ended up with perfectly clear water rather quickly. In this class, that included the pink and the orange.
One of the topics that fascinated the students was how the dye would “strike” the yarn inconsistently. We discussed several reasons why that might be and strategies for engineering a more even dye if that was the goal. I loved seeing them work out the possible problems and solutions.
Some of the variables we discussed included the size of the jar (and how squished up the yarn was), when and whether to shake the liquid in the jar, the order of adding different dye packets, and the number of dye packets added. We also discussed how heat and differently timed applications of vinegar could affect the dye strike.
Several students chose to use more than one packet and a couple brave souls mixed flavors/colors to see what would happen. I think they came up with some beautiful varieties and we have a lovely palette for our final blanket class project.
Next week: Raw Wool and Spinning!
Made in China
Greg has returned from his trip and brought a finished dishcloth with him!
I think we’ve got him hooked, because in true crafter fashion, he’s started not one, but two new dishcloth projects. Another one of these, and then one of the World’s Second Easiest Dishcloths that I reference here.
The first one uses a cast on, the knit stitch, and binding off. The second adds yarn overs and knitting 2 together. It’s a good way to add a couple skills while building muscle memory with the knit stitch.
He’s been using the complimentary mini toiletry kit bags they hand out on overseas flights as project bags. Brilliant, no?
Knits in Public
I think he may also have become convinced he can wear handknit socks as everyday out in the world socks. It took him a while to feel comfortable actually wearing the first pair I knit him because he didn’t want to mess them up. Now he has a second pair, and maybe they don’t feel as rare? Or maybe it’s just the cold weather. In any case, I’m glad he’s feeling more comfortable wearing them. He sent me this photo from work earlier this week:
Local Opportunity: Bridget’s Cradles
Speaking of crafting in the wild, a job opportunity came across my email that I wanted to pass along to those of you in the Wichita area. Some of you may be familiar with Bridget’s Cradles already. They, through a Wichita State AmeriCorps VISTA position, are looking for a full-time in-office employee. It looks like a great opportunity for someone to serve the local community with meaningful work, supporting those who are grieving pregnancy and infant loss. They work with hospitals in all 50 states. If you or someone you know is local and you think they might be interested, would you please pass along the link to their website so they can make contact? Thank you!
And How is Mr. Darcy the Sheep?
He’s doing well and has apparently recovered from the holiday whirlwind, as he posted another letter just this week. The populace at the Farm is ever changing, and he’s doing his best to keep calm and carry on.
He does mention that he could use some advice.
What are you working on today?
Happy knitting!
Kiersten J
