Indigo II

Our second attempt at dyeing was a success.  We were prepared to measure/test/adjust the pot to bring it up to a 'ready' state, based on some instructions for 'refreshing' an Indigo dye pot.  As it turns out we didn't have to, as on checking (the first step) we could see a lovely green color to the 'blue' dye pot indicating that the indigo was in the correct state to dye.

The first job was to measure out the correct amounts of CF wool for each color and also to split that into 3 even lots.  Anal approach possibly, but that allowed me to 'dunk' each smaller amount for 5 minutes, move to the next and when all three were done start again - meaning that the first lot had been out and exposed to air for about the right amount of time before repeating.

First stage - 6 x 133 yard mini skeins from these originals

In one of those happy coincidences, a single wrap from my wrist to elbow and back  is one yard so counting the amounts was relatively easy, and my 'guess' at how much was left on one skein was accurate to within inches :-)  We came out with a little more than estimated, with the only worry now is whether my original maths were correct or not!!

6 x 133 yard skeins tied and soaking

After soaking the wool for 30 minutes to ensure there was no air trapped in it (which converts the Indigo back) I did one batch of 3 for 3 dips, and the second batch for just a single dip each.  The dyeing went well - and produced the colors we wanted (dark blue and a light blue to combine with the original white).  Each batch then had a quick dunk in water with vinegar (to neutralize the alkaline solution (or was that acid?)), then a couple more rinses to get rid of the surface indigo.  Then out to dry.

Dyed wool and a partial skein of original.

The wool in now drying here at home and I may give it a final wash before heading into the next stage which will be to wind the warp.  That will have to wait for the 'quick' merino scarf project (with a feature indigo stripe of course) - more in future blogs.