Dyeing Yarn Tutorial {Yarn Along}

This week, I decided to try dyeing yarn with Kool-Aid.  It was my first time trying to do anything like this and had no idea what to expect.  Items I used:

• Kool-Aid: I had NO idea where to look for it in the store. I dislike Kool-Aid and can't remember the last time I bought some. I almost had to go to a different store because I couldn't find it at Shoppers. I kept wondering around and around, but finally found it!
• Vinegar: I read elsewhere that this was not needed because Kool-Aid is acidic, you don't need vinegar. I erred on the side of caution and still used it.
• Crock-pot
• Tongs
• Patons Classic Wool Yarn: It's 100% wool {but you can use any yarn as long as it's 100% animal fiber}.

I had no plans for this yarn, so I
decided to take the plunge.

First I had to unwind it into a hank. I originally tied it
with wool, but decided to cut of the ties and
tie it with cotton yarn instead.  
Be careful not to tie the yarn too tight!! 
{I tied the yarn too tightly and you could 
tell because every few inches it was still
 cream where the yarn was bunched together.}

Put water and a few Tablespoons of vinegar
in a crock-pot.  Place yarn in crock-pot
and let yarn get wet and submerge.
Sorry, I did not get a picture of me placing
the yarn in the crock-pot. 

While yarn is getting wet, prepare Kool-Aid.
At first I put in only 1/4 cup water, but that was
TOO LITTLE. I then added 3/4 cup water which was
much better, but I probably could have added more
water.

Turn crock-pot on {I used the high setting}, and let the
yarn soak for about 30 minutes.

After it soaks, pour two colors in. I first put the pink
lemonade and grape. Do not stir. Leave the
crock-pot alone for one hour.

At the end of the hour, the water should be clear.
Even though, I read this was the case,
I was still shocked.

Turn yarn over, using tongs.

I then poured the Black cherry and Ice blue
raspberry lemonade in.  {See above picture.}

Leave for another hour.  Come back and
check the water.  If it's finished, turn the crock-pot
off.  Let the water cool {for me this was hard
because I was being impatient}.
After it comes to room temperature,
rinse the yarn with room temperature water.  Be
careful not to shock the yarn. Let the yarn dry.

The next day, I rolled it up into a ball while Charis
was napping.

I'm hoping to knit a newborn soaker for a friend of mine. I'm hoping {and praying} that I have enough yarn!!  I might make the waist and leg cuffs in a different color, so I don't have to worry about running out of yarn.

What are you knitting and reading?  

Join us atthis week's Yarn Along.