The Yarn Lover's Guide to Hand Dyeing: Beautiful Color and Simple Knits (Hardcover)

by Linda LaBelle (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
For rich, unique yarns of your very own creation, The Yarn Lover's Guide to Hand Dyeing is your essential go-to guide. Now you can create gorgeous, unique, handpainted yarns in your very own kitchen. In this practical guide to dyeing yarn at home, you'll learn simple techniques for creating beautiful, colorful yarns-and pick up some new patterns to highlight your new hues along the way. Fiber artist, knitter, and teacher Linda LaBelle provides her own valuable expertise and insight and gives readers a peek into a typical day in the lives of seven professional hand dyers through lush photographs and personal interviews in which they share their thoughts, advice, and sometimes dyeing secrets! You'll learn a variety of hand-dyeing processes, including faux ikat, used to create a fun tie-dyed effect; quick stovetop techniques that yield tons of color; space dyeing, which uses several colors to create a pattern; a way to dye already knitted pieces; and trouble-free methods for immersion and handpainting. There's also info on different types of dye-from Kool-Aid and food coloring to Jacquard Acid and PRO One Shot. Once you're finished, show off your rich and quirky new hues with 20 original knit and crochet patterns. Designs are easy yet sophisticated, and include everything from ponchos to scarves and hats to arm warmers. You'll find clear instructions, entertaining projects, and plenty of how-to tips.

About the Author
LINDA LA BELLE is a former costume designer, having worked on Matthew Barney's Cremaster Cycle as well as costuming several sculptures for Keith Edmier, one of which ("Beverly Edmier") is in the permanent collection of the Tate Museum in London. Linda continues to do commission work, creating specialty props for everything from an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent to a knitted piece for Details magazine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft (November 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307352536
• ISBN-13: 978-0307352538
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,283 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some good ideas, but information is missing, April 6, 2008

By	Roady Jane (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

I bought this book with zero knowledge of yarn dyeing. I got past the beginning with the parts about tools, dyes, etc. As I started looking at the projects, I noticed that there were "ingredients" such as synthropol and soda ash, which I hadn't remembered seeing anything about. I assumed I had missed that part, but I kept looking and couldn't find anything about the chemicals used in dyeing.

I ended up being very confused about the whole thing. I paid to take a class at my local yarn shop instead. After the class, I found the book made much more sense and was quite useful.

I did get confused with one part -- she said to make a 10 yard in diameter skein, but I thought that was awfully long. I actually contacted her and she said 5 yards up, 5 yards down. That's more like "circumference" than "diameter," and it makes a really big difference.

In searching the Internet, I found a book reviewer who was also confused by the lack of information on the chemicals, just like I was. She contacted the publisher, who told her that the author agreed she needed to add a chapter on that next time around. I feel kinda sad that I bought an incomplete version of the book.

All that said, I am taking on one of the projects in the book -- from dyeing to making a sweater, and it's been fun. That's one thing I really like about it. It doesn't just give general technique, it gives a finished yarn and then shows you exactly how to get there, including the exact yarns used. Then it gives you a project you can make out of the yarn.

I also think that in addition to the specific projects, it would be nice to get very general use of the dyes. For instance, Jacquard acid dyes. Give an explanation of how they work, what you need and how to generally use them. Then give specific projects and explanations for achieving them.

I do like the book, despite it's shortfalls, and the author was very nice when I contacted her.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simply, a great book!, November 16, 2007

By	Danica Holoviak (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The night my copy of Linda's book arrived, I took it with me to bed and read it till I fell asleep. I'm very excited to have this one in my knitting library. I am a knitter, crocheter, weaver, spinner, and I've done some dying. What I love about this book is that it has a project for each type of dying. IT'S A BOOK TO SPARK MY CREATIVITY. In this one book I have a sampling of many different fibers, dying techniques, and pattern ideas. I like the fact that it makes dying look simple, accessible, and fun. The pictures are beautiful and unstaged--actual shots of these artists at work and of their studios. I can't wait to read the interviews with hand-dyers. Another great feature is that there is a picture of the materials you'll need for each project, so that I have a visual idea of what I need, in addition to the detailed instructions. Plus, there's a discussion on safety, color theory, the different techniques, the different types of dye. I'm already trying to decide which project to make first!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative and a Keeper!, November 15, 2007

By	Yarns and Musings (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

I completely disagree with the previous review. I have bought a few yarn dyeing books over the past year and quite frankly, got rid of them immediately. Too in depth, too confusing and only included acid dyes. I thought I found all the information I needed on the internet for free.

However, I think this book included many methods-steam, mason jars, stove top, as well as hand painting and soaking. I liked the fact that Kool-Aid and other alternative dyes were discussed. The patterns were simple patterns, but nice that both knit and crochet were included. I also found the methods of various "professionals" very interesting. To me, this is a keeper. I have used different dyeing methods, including Kool-Aid and this book will be on my reference shelf!