Bearlin Acres Farm Fiber Dyeing
The Spun Fibers
We start with the sheep. Good care gives better fiber. Good dirt gives better pasture. Good grass gives better wool. Our flock is not coated. We hope for neatly behaving animals. We expect to have some dirt in the fleeces. Upon shearing, the fleeces are bundled flat in old sheets. I skirt them heavily when the weather cooperates and sort out the better fibers for spinning. These are then washed in hot soaks with mild detergent and rinsed several times in clear hot water baths. Occasionally, I add vinegar to the final rinse water to bring down the pH a bit.
The fibers are dried on screens outside, picked, sorted again and packed in bins when fully dry. Each fleece is weighed before and after washing to see how much usable fiber the sheep are producing.
Our hand or drum-carded fibers are spun into singles and plied on an Ashford double-drive Traveler wheel. The twist is set if needed by washing and hanging under tension. Skeins are available in varying fibers and lengths.
We are currently experimenting with both natural and synthetic dyes with reasonable success. Some days and dyes are better than others!
Fiber Dyeing
Kitchen method:
Measure the weight of the fiber or yarn. Read instructions on dye for amount of dye needed and correct dilution for intensity of color you'd like. Cover the area where you will apply the dye with newspaper, then plastic wrap. You will need several 6' lengths. I recommend taping the wrap to the surface to keep it flat and tight.
Fill the sink with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Place the yarn in the water to soak. Be sure it is all wet. Drain water and squeeze. Spin out excess water in the washing machine. Place skeins evenly around drum or the washer will go off balance.
Outdoor method:
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