KoolAid n.
a brand of flavoured drink mix.
If you remember this guy and the phrase “Oh Yeaahh!” then
you are probably near me in age. KoolAid is still a favorite drink of
children all over. Since it’s sumer and KoolAid season I thought we might have a
little fun this month. We’re dying yarn
with ... KoolAid!!
Unlike commercial yarn dyes, KoolAid is inexpensive, non-toxic and easy to work with. It is naturally very acidic so you don’t even
have to mess with vinegars or ammonia to set the dye. So gather up a few tools and the kids and
have some fun.
You do have to choose your yarn carefully. You want untreated animal fibers – wool,
alpaca,etc. Plant or man-made fibres
will not work. By untreated I mean that the wool cannot be treated for machine
washing or drying – so no washable wool for this project! If you are not sure, just make sure the
washing symbols match these:
Yarn
Unsweetened KoolAid
(do not add sugar!!)
A large pot (steamer
insert is optional)
4-cup measuring cup
Bath towel
Rubber gloves and an apron might be useful, too, since KoolAid stains!
How to dye with KoolAid:
- Unwind yarn and form into hanks of 50-60 yards. Using the back of a chair is handy for this if you don’t own a swift.
- Tie the hanks in 5 or 6 places to hold the yarn together. Use acrylic yarn for the ties so it’s easy to find when you are done.
- Wash the yarn in mild soap (don’t swish or wring it; just gently squeeze it). Then let it soak in clean water until you are ready to place it in the dye.
- Dissolve KoolAid in 4 cups of water. For a softer mottled look, use one package. For a more intense colour, use 1½ packages.
- Pour KoolAid into your pot. Place yarn in the pot (don’t bother to press any water out of it) and add enough water to cover the yarn.
- Heat the yarn-filled pot to almost boiling. Turn off the stove and let the yarn rest in the water for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know the yarn is ready when the water is mostly clear. And it will be!! If it is not, just repeat this step again.
- When the water is mostly clear, gently remove the yarn and rinse it in a sink of water that is roughly the same temperature as the dying pot. Colder water may shock the yarn and cause felting.
- Wash in mild soap and rinse again.
- Remove hank gently from the water and press out some of the water. Place the hank on a clean bath towel and roll it up.
- Unroll and hang to dry.
- Once
dry, the wool can be wound into balls for knitting.
So, what should you do
with this fun-coloured yarn?
Why, make some
KoolKats, of course!!
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