Yarns to Dye For: Creating Self-Patterning Yarns for Knitting

Self-patterning yarns - those that magically knit up into stripes, Fair Isle, graduated color bands, and zigzag patterns - are extremely popular but they can be expensive, and it can be difficult to find just the yarn you want. Yarns to Dye For presents an easy and fun way to make your own self-patterning yarn - no other book details this intriguing process. Using the dyes for natural fibers that are available at most grocery and craft stores, you can create your own, one-of-a-kind patterns in commercial yarns or your own handspun. Previous dyeing experience is not required because the author guides you step-by-step through choosing your materials and equipment, skeining and preparing your yarn for dyeing, and painting the yarn. To practice your technique, there are 22 quick and simple projects - each presented with dyeing and knitting instructions - including fingerless gloves, mittens, a headband, a child's sweater, leg warmers, an adult vest, and much more! Also included are suggestions for modifying and embellishing projects as well as ideas for using your left-over yarn.

Reviews:
"Technique-building projects with dyeing and knitting instructions for garments and accessories demonstrate the beauty of controlling not only the knitting process but the yarn color path as well. An excellent choice for public libraries . . ." - Library Journal
"After reading this book, all I want to do is take a day and dye up a big bunch o' wool!" - All Info About Knitting
"Explains the mystery behind self-patterning sock yarns, including how you can re-create those patterns yourself at home . . . " - Knitters Review
"Like a telephone conversation between friends discussing how to accomplish dyeing self-patterning yarns." - Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot
"The colours obtained are richer, with more clarity than many commercial self-patterning yarns... providing unusual and lovely colour effects."-Knit Net

Kathleen Taylor is a freelance knitwear designer and a prolific writer. She is the author of the popular book Knit One, Felt Too, and her knitting designs have appeared in more than 50 different magazines. She lives in Redfield, South Dakota.