Dyeing with Scout!

Finally after something like 2 Years I got to meet Jamie Dixon!   AKA: Scout

It was this picture on her blog that drew me inn:)

I knew right then and there that I had to make myself some socks from her yarn.

My Second pair of socks was born: Colorway Appletini

We got to know each other pretty quickly via blogland Scout and I --and well the rest is history:)  I remember Scout displaying some of her first hand dyed sock skeins and me asking if I could have one of each. 

Pretty soon I was on two my second order including one custom skein in CAL colors (blue, white and gold).  I think It surprised her that someone would want to buy 4-5 skns at once...   I'm no dummy, I knew right then and there that a new color genious had just been born:)

Today I had the pleasure of finally meeting Scout!   Gosh she is such a lovely person:)  Its amazing or gratifying rather that she is exactly the same as she comes across on her blog.  I don't mean that to sound strange --but believe me on occasion I have met people that seemed really cool but then perhaps the chemistry was not there.   I don't mean this in a negative fashion but you just never know --you know:)  Although I think that its the conversing back and forth, the email threads etc. that allow us to form lasting friendships...

I had a total blast today at Knit One One!!!   After a quick lesson on typical hand dyeing processes and a bit of history on Scout's Swag and her learning experiences, tips, tricks, etc.  Scout taught us how to use a warping board:

This technique is used to create self striping yarn. It allows you to wind your yarn in specifc sequences around these pegs. For instance: 4, 2, 6 x around each set of pegs so that the stretch of yarn once hand painted will have a consistent color length. 

Here is Scout showing Leslie how to tie the various sections of the mini skns that are created on the warping board. So once you are ready to start hand painting you can keep the sections separated and apply different tones of dye to each.   [ Leslie is one of my newest blog buddies and whom I had the pleasure of meeting at Camp Crows Feet in April:) ]

 

I set up my yarn today and will attempt to paint it in this color: Orchids

Again, the day was awesome!  We laughed, we oohd and awed over techniques, colors, examples, and Scout's know how...

Towards the end of Class Sile (prounced Sheila) the owner of Knit One One, Stephen and Wonder Mike from YKnit drew numbers for us dyers so that we could each take turns picking skeins that Scout had brought to sell.  Guess what?  I drew the number 2!  I won't bore you with the details. Overall I think I did well..

[Peach Pit, Smash Box, Premium Denim, Power Couples, Loops, Nameless Color, Morning Glories]

I missed out on a couple of them --A gorgeous yellow lovely called Marmalaid, a luscious red in Watermelon and a stunning green number in Basil.  You can actually look at them here.  But hey the good thing about buying from Scout is that you can email her or go on her website and place an order directly he he....

Here is Scout with all the sale Skeins:

After my many yarn purchases --you know going back to the pile for another go... I asked Stephen to take a picture of us gals --well my partners in crime anyway:)

L to R: Leslie, Scout, me, Nell, and Raquel.   Hi Nell!  It was a pleasure to finally meet you in person too:) 

After a couple of tries with the camera Stephen said something hillarious and we all busted up laughing and I think it made  a cute picture of the gang:

Oh and before I forget... I had placed an order for one of those cool new namaste bags that Scout is now carrying in the new Peacock color.  You know those Namaste Catalina bags...  Well guess what?  Scout hand delivered it!!!!  How is that for customer service:)

Totally cool bag!  Well worth the price. Great color and lots of room for yarn as you can see:)

As for the Scout's Zulu Knitty shawl...  Sadly I was unable to finish it on time.  But I will be mailing it to her soon.   Very soon:)  I have two more pattern repeats to go and its a blocking she will go...

Stay tuned for part two. Actual dyeing results...

Comments

[irishgirlieknits]

Fun fun fun!! And oh, that yarn!! Just gorgeous! You certainly did a nice job enhancing your stash today :) I love all the pictures too, feels *almost* like I was there.... and the best part, you get to go back tomorrow!!! Color me jealous! Big hi to Nell and Leslie for me!!

[Nell]

WooHoo!!!! I promise to be more lively tomorrow! Let the dye fly!

[Stacey]

Wow - I am so envious - what a perfect day! I had no idea about the warping board, ingenious. And you got to meet Scout, you lucky duck! Is she really tall?

[beverly]

Isn't Scout an amazing teacher? I love that girl to bits!

[cockeyd]

Great post! Wish I could have been there. Looks like you guys had tons of fun!

[deb]

How fun! I love seeing the warping board. I've heard them referenced, but couldn't figure out how they were used. I LOVE that bag. I may have to get one. Hmmm I do have a birthday coming up. I'll have to drop the husband hint;)
Can't wait to hear about today!

[Becky]

How fun! You must have had a blast. I really love Scout's colorways--her yarn is on my "to try" list, for sure.

[Hillary]

What a great opportunity - taking dye class with Scout. I just love her yarn. You picked some great colorways.

[Sam]

That sounds so amazing. Too much fun.

The shawl looks great too. I can't wait to see it finished.

[Laurie]

Now I see how you get so much yarn! LOL! All so amazing looking. Really love the "Power Couples" colorway. And dyeing! Whoo hoo!!

Namaste bags. Drool.

[carolenj]

Oh, Marisol, I am so jealous! What a great time you had. I have already checked out Scout's site and am ready for some Stash Enhancement.

[Leslie]

I can hardly wait til you post your dying results! It was so fun taking class with you, Marisol! And I love that you posted all your past Scout goodies! Enabler, you! ;)

[Keanalee]

Looks like you had such a great time! I can't wait to see your yarn! LOVE LOVE LOVE THE BAG!

[Nartian]

You were all so into it at the class when I stopped by to visit. What fun!