Yarns to Dye For [Paperback]

Kathleen Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

Beginning and veteran knitters alike can learn how to produce homemade self-patterning yarns with this easy, step-by-step guide. Instructions are provided for choosing materials and equipment, skeining and preparing yarn, and painting and dyeing the yarn—all with materials that are found in most grocery and craft stores. Twenty-five quick projects, each presented with dyeing and knitting instructions, will help develop the reader's technique and produce exciting, colorful garments, including gloves, mittens, scarves, and even a summer shell. Guidelines for modifying projects, tips on embellishing, and ideas for leftover yarn are also included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Like a telephone conversation between friends discussing how to accomplish dyeing self-patterning yarns."  —Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot

"Unlocks the secrets of self-patterning yarn and teaches you how to do it yourself. Really."  —Knitty.com

"Explains the mystery behind self-patterning sock yarns, including how you can re-create those patterns yourself at home."  —Knitters Review

"Even if you don't want to dye your own yarn, you can use this book for its great pattern ideas . . . Great book!"  —Knitting News

"The colors obtained are richer, with more clarity than many commercial self-patterning yarns . . . providing unusual and lovely colour effects."  —KnitNet

About the Author

Kathleen Taylor is a freelance knitwear designer. She is the author of Knit One, Felt Too. She lives in Redfield, South Dakota.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499810
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499811
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #622,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!!, July 4, 2005

By 

Janet Carroll "New Knitter" (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yarns to Dye For (Paperback)

I never would've imagined myself as a dyer until I read this book. Taylor's instructions are simple and detailed - you can't go wrong following her lead. For those who don't want to dye but only want to knit, Taylor's patterns are excellent. Not only are the instructions simple and down-to-earth, but the patterns fit, so even a novice knitter can experience success. In addition to these fine qualities, the book is beautifully designed. I highly recommend it!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fun dying with this book!, May 3, 2006

By 

Ronda M. Trent "TwinMom" (Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yarns to Dye For (Paperback)

I checked this book out of our local Library, hoping to learn a few things... I liked it so much, I didn't want to take it back to the library, so I had to buy it!
Once you have a little knowledge in dying, you will be able to create your own colorways with just some fairly inexpensive materials, a little time, experimentation and space. My biggest problem was finding a place to wind my 40 foot skeins.
If you are a novice dyer, you may want to start with something a little more simple, but it won't take you long to step up to this. There are some patterns included and she also give "recipes" for the colorways shown in the book... INCLUDING the now famous on Yahoo Sock Knitters... The self patterning watermelon yarn!

30 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Really only for dyers, not knitters., July 4, 2005

By 

Janice Bryant "rubberrabbit" (Moore, Oklahoma USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yarns to Dye For (Paperback)

I got this book out of curiousity and hope that it might help me with my addiction to patterned yarns, which tend towards the expensive. The information on dying was not really geared towards a beginner like me, and the list of equipment,the amount of experimentation and the techniques I'd have to learn made me appreciate why the yarn I buy is so expensive, but I simply couldn't understand a lot of it. I have sent it onwards to a friend of mine who specializes in dyeing fabrics (in hopes she will venture into the world of hand-dyed yarns). In addition, the patterns offered to knit with the yarns provided were not at all inspiring. Definitely look in this book before you buy!