Adventures in Dyeing

I've been dyeing lately. And not just the kind of dyeing you would expect to find on a craft blog.

My hair started the trend. Previously a dirty blonde, I'm now rocking a deep red. It was an impulsive decision but I really like it.

I've also made my first foray into fiber dyeing. For this first experiment I used my first decent bit of handspun, the two-ply that I posted about a while back. It's not enough yardage to do anything with (except perhaps a small coaster/pot holder) so I figured it was the perfect bit of fiber to practice dyeing on.

I used a method outlined on youtube by ChemKnits using food coloring and simmering on the stove. Basically, I mixed up vinegar and food coloring in my water. I used a fork to "sample" the dye water to see the color that I was creating. I originally wanted more of a coral color but I had an issue with the yellow food coloring squirting out more than a drop at a time, so I got something more orange and saturated.

It took about 20 minutes of a very light simmer before the dye water was nearly clear. I then let the yarn and water cool for about 30 minutes so I could handle it easily for rinsing.

The color in the photo looks to be pretty accurate. In person the yarn is perhaps just slightly more muted, but it is very bright nonetheless.

I'm really excited about the possibilities of dying my hand spun in the future. One method I'd like to try in particular is the gradient dye that Stacey talks about on FreshStitches. I have a soft spot for gradient yarns, but haven't really stumbled upon on that I just LOVE.

In other news, my debit card info was stolen in the Knit Picks disaster. Apparently their database was leaking confidential information for over a month and some people had to hear from their credit union that some asshole in New  Orleans was using their card information to buy lunch and pay for hotel rooms.

I understand that these things happen, and mine was caught quick enough to avoid any real trouble, but I'm still pretty sore about it. As a site that handles sensitive information, it is their job to make sure that information is secure. If you bought anything from Knit Picks around December of 2012 or January of 2013, you should keep an eye on your statements or even have your debit/credit cards re-issued to be on the safe side.

Okay, back to the fun stuff.

I'm really itching to knit some intricate lace, with actual lace-weight yarn (I've been using sock yarn for my lace up until now).  I've been on Ravelry but the selection is so huge I just can't decide @.@

Do you have any suggestions for good lace patterns? I'm up for any kind: shawl, scarf, top, whatevs.