Dye Day

Last Saturday was a busy one. Friday night was First Friday. Saturday morning was our monthly Fredericksburg Spinners and Weavers Guild meeting. This month we arranged to dye plant fibers-cotton, rayon and tencel mostly. (Protein fibers-wool, silk and alpaca require a different dye and a different process.) It was pretty successful as you can see.

First the fibers are soaked in water and washing soda to aid in taking the dye.



Then the real fun begins.












After the dye is applied the yarn or fiber is wrapped in plastic and allowed to sit for at least 24 hours before rinsing.




This is the Guild's newest member!

After the meeting, while waiting for my latest spinning student, I worked in my pottery studio on some low fire clay. Just experimenting. We officially only fire at cone 6 here at Libertytown. So I will double bisque these pots. Another step towards earthenware work for me. I was having an off day (do any of you still have days when the clay just WON'T center??) so I am witholding judgement.

I'll take pictures of the pots for next time.

Thanks for checking in!