A Kitchen to Dye For

Here is a picture of my favourite dye pot on my brand new gas stove in my newly renovated kitchen at our still-being-renovated cottage. The kitchen isn’t quite finished yet (in fact, it recently took a giant step backwards as my upper cabinets had to be taken down for window trim) but I was able to do my first dyeing, which was a major milestone for me.

Unlike several of my hooking pals, dyeing is still not a passion for me - yet. But I am becoming more confident and certainly this venue should inspire me to experiment more in the dye pot. I hope someday, in this kitchen, it will give me the same thrill as it does to my much-admired mentors.

The wool in the pot is being dyed a light Taupe for a workshop next weekend, and I’m sure there are a number of variables in the formula that may not be duplicated elsewhere.
First is the lake water. Although I think I did some dyeing before the renovation started, I can’t remember whether or not I had to recreate the formula in city water, or how much difference the lake water makes. (It certainly does when you shampoo your hair.)

The second variable is the wonderful new gas stove. I’m convinced it is faster and hotter than my city stove. (It is certainly faster and hotter than my hot plate.)

The third variable, which probably doesn’t factor much is drying the wool outside, without the aid of a dryer. Sure, it takes a little longer, but I’m sure it smells much better, like everything that dries outside.

My studio downstairs in the very unfinished basement is still a long way off in the next year or so. I’m sure there will be many rugs hooked and much wool dyed before it is a reality. But my first dive into my dye pot did give me a glimpse of what it will be like to dye here when we live here full time.

It reminded me yet again how amazing it will be when my two biggest passions come together. It will surely be to die for.