The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 65

Episode 65 - Wear My Heart On My Glove



Shownotes

Knitting

Self-Striping sport-weight socks
Canephora socks
No Glove(s) No Love

Ask a Dyer

Mixing mustard yellow

2014 Knitting Goals
#operationsockdrawer
Knit with my handspun

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 64

Episode 64 - Super Secret Christmas Knitting

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 63

Episode 63 - Ice In Texas?

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 62

Episode 62 - Finish All The Things

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 61

Episode 61 - Sweaters and Bunnies



Shownotes

Knitting
Rapunzel Sweater - Done!
Annabelle's Extra Yarn Socks
Canephora Socks

Stash Enhancement
Yarn vs Zombies
Unwind Yarn Company
Gourmet Stash
Velveteen Kit from littleskein, Susan b. Anderson, and Gynx Yarns:

• Full Kit
• Petite Kit
• All other ala carte options found here

Giveaway
Answer the prompt in the episode in this thread on Ravelry.

The Dyers' Notebook - Episode 60

Episode 60 - An Interview With Wooly Wonka



Shownotes

Find Wooly Wonka here!

Shop Update: Tuesday, November 19 at 1 pm Central

Pretty Princess yarn club sign-ups

littleskein on Etsy and "Happy Again" kit pre-orders

My First NaKniSweMo - Week 1

As most of you probably know, I got the crazy idea to participate in NaKniSweMo (National Knit a Sweater Month) this year. Because you know, it's not like I have any other sweaters on the needles. My reasoning behind it actually made a little bit of sense though: I just started carrying a new base, called Smooth Sport, that I needed to work with. As an indie dyer, I feel it's really important to have actually worked with your yarns. How can I sell a customer on a yarn that I myself don't even know very well? I started carrying the base because I find I'm always wanting to knit sport-weight sweaters, so I might as well be able to use my own yarn for it.

I fell in love with the Rapunzel Sweater by Anne Podlesak the second I saw it. Put some good waist and bust shaping in a sweater and I'm probably sold. The side cables and gusset cables that accentuate an hourglass figure are what set it over the edge for me. Anne is a friend of mine and is letting me interview her next week for the podcast (she's also the dyer behind Wooly Wonka), so I thought it would be extra appropriate for me to be working on one of her designs.

I won't go into details about my failures in prep for NaKniSweMo (you can check out Episode 59 should you be interested), but ever since I've cast on, it's been mostly smooth sailing. I'm really in love with this project. I was a tiny bit nervous about using a variegated yarn for this (colorway is Bus Stop), but the construction of this yarn makes it absolutely perfect for projects benefiting from great stitch definition. I think you'll see in the photos that the cables still pop, even without a solid or semi-solid colorway.

The one thing I've noticed is that my left hand has started to ache a bit. I've been knitting way more than I normally do in a day. I have the sweater at my desk, and during the workday I'll try to put in a few stitches here and there. Wednesday evening I actually knitted for about an hour straight before heading over to my knitting group for several more hours of knitting, and I work up with a quite sore hand. Last night I went easy on the knitting and played a bit of BioShock (yes, I'm way behind on this franchise), which I had been neglecting since NaKniSweMo started. Today my hand felt good as new, so my new plan of attack is going to be to take little rest/stretching breaks in my longer bursts of knitting.

In Week 2 I'm hoping to finish the body of the sweater, but I'm not sure about that happening. Right now I am four inches from the armholes, so it's definitely possible! How great would it be to finish this before the end of the month? Then I can get back to my knitting projects being all over the place.

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 59

Episode 59 - NaKniSweMo 2013


EDIT: Please don't change your iTunes subscriptions like I said to in Episode 59! Here's the announcement:





Shownotes

Knitting
Annabelle's Extra Yarn Socks
Featherweight Cardigan
Pomme de Pin
Rapunzel Sweater

Shop Update
Tuesday, Nov 5 at 1 pm Central
Pretty Princess Yarn Club info here

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 58

Episode 58 - Halloween Socks



Shownotes

Announcements
Submit Questions for Wooly Wonka Fibers here!

Knitting
Witching Hour Socks - done!

Stash Enhancement
Wooly Wonka Brigit Bulky
Exchanging Fire stitch markers
Knitscene Winter 2013

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 57

Episode 57 - Don't Cry Over Spilled Dye



Shownotes

Knitting
Lecanora
Witching Hour Socks

Ask A Dyer
Mixing Dyestock

Dyeing
Ripped glove :(
Spilled dye and how to clean it

Shop
Shop Update is Tuesday, October 22 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 56

Episode 56 - Panda



Shownotes

Knitting
Annabelle's Extra Yarn Socks
Panda Hat

Spinning
Innuendo Fibers SW Merino "Big Kitties"

Stash Enhancement
Unwind Yarn Company Swirl BFL
Unwind Yarn Company SW BFL/Nylon

Shop
Wholesale-Priced Clearance Sale through Oct 31

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 55

Episode 55 - An Interview With Yarn vs Zombies



Shownotes

This week I interview Kiki of Yarn vs Zombies! You can check out all of her pretties here.

Giveaway
The winner for the Happy Again Sock Kit was announced after the interview, so be sure to check to see if you won!

Shop Update
This week's shop update has been delayed until Wednesday. Please follow me on Twitter for further updates.

To see pictures of Kong (what we've affectionately named our visitor), you can click here.

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 54

Episode 54 - Extra Yarn



Shownotes

Announcements
Friday, October 4 meetup at The Dime Store
Questions for Yarn vs. Zombies

Knitting
Dragonfly Wings Shawlette - done!
Annabelle's Extra Yarn

Spinning
Innuendo Fibers "Big Kitties"

Giveaway
Happy Again Sock Kit giveaway
And be sure to check out the kits at littleskein!

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 53

Episode 53 - Podiversary!



Shownotes:

Announcements
Cosplay Page
Submit Questions for Yarn vs Zombies
Knitting Event in Denton

Studio Tour

Knitting
Featherweight Cardi
Dragonfly Wings Shawlette

Spinning
Two if by Hand Mixed BFL - done!
Innuendo Fibers SW Merino

Stash Enhancement
Innuendo Fibers Superfine Merino
Nikon 50mm 1.8

Podcasting Lessons

Dyeing/Shop Update
Shop update is Tuesday, September 24 at 1 pm Central

Giveaway
If you were called as a winner, contact me on Ravelry!

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 52

Episode 52 - On Giving Stuff Away



Shownotes

Enter the anniversary giveaway here!

Knitting
This week I am working on my Featherweight Cardigan out of Gynx Yarns Merino Lace in the Cactuar colorway.

Spinning
This week I am working on my Two if By Hand mixed BFL in the Roller Derby colorway.

Business
For this installment if the dyeing business series, I talk about the effectiveness of giving your products away.

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 51

Episode 51 - Ecru Room

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 50

Episode 50 - UT Room



Shownotes

Stash Enhancement
Desert Vista Dyeworks in Dia de los Muertos

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 - Spinning
Question #2 - Speckles on Yarn
Question #3 - Selling to LYSs

Shop Announcements

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 49

Episode 49 - Closing



Shownotes

Knitting
Featherweight Cardigan
Dragonfly Wings Shawlette

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 48

Episode 48 - Spiral Pooling



Shownotes
Will be added soon.

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 47

Episode 47 - Mold?!



Shownotes

Knitting
Pomme de Pin
Featherweight Cardigan
June Mitts
Dragonfly Wings

Spinning
Two if by Hand Mixed BFL

Ask a Dyer
Question #1 - Mold

Shop Update
15% Sale is still going on through the end of August!

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 46

Episode 46 - Prizes!




Shownotes:

Knitting
Pomme de Pin
Featherweight Cardigan
June Mitts
Westport Shawl

Dyeing/Shop Update
Tuesday, August 6 at 1 pm Central

Dye-a-Long
Winners: Please contact me (gynx) on Ravelry to claim your prize!

August Sale!

Stock up now before fall hits!

Holla Knits Crochet Collection WINNER!

There were four entries in the giveaway for the Cute Girl Squares Tank pattern, and after using Random.org, the winner is post #1! Congrats, meanjean!

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 45

Episode 45 - Yarnie 101



Shownotes

This week I show my finished socks. Inspired by this week's viewer questions, I continue our business series with a "getting started as a Yarnie" episode.

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 44

Episode 44 - Easily Distracted



Shownotes

Announcements
Holla Knits Pattern Giveaway
No shop update next week, but check next episode for a special announcement!

Knitting
BFF Socks
Featherweight Cardigan
Pomme de Pin

Spinning
Lucky Cat Craft 70% Alpaca 30% Muga Silk - Done!

Review: Holla Knits Crochet Collection

Today I have a really exciting new pattern collection to show all of you: the Holla Knits Crochet Collection! If you've been following me, then you should be no stranger to the awesomeness that is Holla Knits. I reviewed the Fall/Winter 2012 collection and the Accessories 2012 collection previously, and my yarn was even featured in the Wallpaper Cowl pattern last year.

I'm excited to say that Gynx Yarns is back with the latest Holla Knits collection and I'm going to have a giveaway, but more about that at the end of this post. First, let's look at the patterns:

Granny Square Earrings and Ring by Casey Carroll

This set of ring and earrings (not pictured) would make such a fun and speedy gift for someone! I love how big the ring is and I think it's a great way to show off your yarn-y pride even when it's miserably hot outside.

Betty...Betty Grable by Rohn Strong

This summery vest is shown in a single color option (above) and a three-color option, and I can't decide which one I like more. I adore big vests, and if I were to wear it, I think it would look great belted at the waist.

Prim by Ann Leachman

I think the name of this pattern says it all. Perfect for the girly girl who loves collars (and the ability to change them!).

County Fair Scarf by Claire A. Denny

The shape of this is like a combination of a scarf and a kerchief. The shape of it allows it to lay beautifully and I think would make an awesome closet staple for times where you want a shawl but don't want to mess with getting it to stay on.

Deco Daisies by Michele Moskaluk

This cowl makes me want to try crochet again. It's that perfect length where you can drape it over yourself as pictured or double it up for more warmth.

Cute Girl Squares Tank by Allyson Dykhuizen

And finally, the tank that my yarn was used for! The green version of this tank is knit out of my Merino Sock base in the Cactuar colorway (which is the same color I'm knitting my Featherweight out of). What I love about this pattern is how easy it is to customize. Crochet it in a solid color like the version using my yarn and then the texture becomes the star of the tank, or have fun playing with color like in the second version. The first version is also shown with a bit of negative ease, while the multi-colored version is shown with a bit of positive ease (how I'd probably wear it). Whichever way you choose to crochet it, it is a very unique and fun warm weather piece (although, who's saying you couldn't layer it for the cooler weather?)

Now, for the giveaway! Allyson is generously letting me give away a copy of the Cute Girl Squares Tank to one of you lucky readers! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know which of the patterns you want to start first. Make sure you leave me your Ravelry name or another way to contact you. Contest will run through Tuesday, July 30 and a winner will be drawn via random number generator on Wednesday, July 31.

Check out the rest of the blog tour for more fun and giveaways!

July 9: The Sweatshop of Love
July 10: Rohn Strong Designs
July 11: Casey Carroll
July 12: Lion Brand Blog

July 15: Knits in Class
July 16: Claire Denny
July 17: Be Sweet Yarn
July 18: Stash the KP Staff Blog
July 19: Magical Grammar

July 23: Gynx Yarns
July 25: Kalanag
July 26: Casey Carroll & Knit Picks Curio relaunch

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 43

Episode 43 - Noro Sweater



Shownotes

Announcements
Google Hangout with Subway Knits & Yarngasm

Knitting
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover - Done!
BFF Socks
Featherweight Cardigan
Pomme de Pin

Spinning
Lucky Cat Craft 70% Alpaca 30% Muga Silk

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 - Salt & Citric Acid

Dyeing/Shop Update
Shop Update Tuesday, July 16 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 42

Episode 42 - Pseudo Vacation



Shownotes

Knitting
BFF Socks
Arc en Ciel Pullover

Spinning
Innuendo Fibers SW Merino "Boy Toy"
Lucky Cat Craft 70% Alpaca 30% Muga Silk

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 - Synthrapol/Detergents

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 41

Episode 41 - Summer DAL!



Shownotes

Knitting
Arc en Ciel Pullover
BFF Socks

Spinning
Innuendo Fibers SW Merino in "Boy Toy"

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 Ovens

Dye-a-Long
Info here

Dyeing/Shop Update
Update will be Tuesday July 2 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 40

Episode 40 - Photography 101



Shownotes

Tour de Fleece
Goals: Spin 30 minutes every day

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 - Glazing
Question #2 - Getting the "dyeing class experience" on a smaller scale
Question #3 - Layers

Business
This week I talk about my journey with yarn photography.
Photography tutorials mentioned

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 39

Episode 39 - Drug Deals



Shownotes

Knitting
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover
BFF Socks

Spinning
WSK Polwarth/Silk - Done!

 Ask A Dyer
Question #1 - Percentages
Question #2 - Tonals

Summer Dye-a-Long
Details

Shop Update
June 18 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 38

Episode 38 - Overdyeing FOs



Shownotes

Knitting
BFF Socks
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover

Spinning
WSK Polwarth/Silk

Ask A Dyer
Question #1
Question #2

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 37

Episode 37 - The Episode I Keep Mentioning Japan



Shownotes:

Knitting
Neon & Neutral Stripey Socks
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover
BFF Toe-Up Socks

Spinning
Western Sky Knits Polwarth/Silk

Stash Enhancements
Unwind Yarn Company
Another Crafty Girl

Ask A Dyer
Planning shop updates
Encouraging dyes to break

Dyeing
What I've been dyeing this week

Shop Update
Tuesday, June 4 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 36

Episode 36 - BFF Skeins



Shownotes

This week I'm joined by first time dyer Jose as we work on a collaborative dyeing project.

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 35

Episode 35 - Formatting



Shownotes:

Knitting
Pomme de Pin
Stripey Socks

Spinning
Gritty Knits batts

Ask A Dyer
Dyes breaking

Dyeing/Shop Update
Tuesday, May 21 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 34

 Episode 34 - Tangents



Shownotes

Knitting
Ishbel - done!
Striping socks
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover

Spinning
Silk hankies- done

Ask a Dyer/Dyeing
How to get a good black

Shop Update
Tuesday, May 14 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 33

Episode 33 - Not Really an Episode

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 32

Episode 32 - Too Many Sweaters



Shownotes:

Knitting
Self-Striping Socks
Ishbel
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover
Featherweight Cardigan
Pomme de Pin

Spinning
Unwind Yarn Company Merino - Done
Silk Hankies

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 31

Episode 31 - New Toy



Shownotes:

Knitting
My Lowry Pullover is done! I'm also working on my Arc-en-Ciel Pullover, some stripey socks, and Ishbel

Dyeing
I got a new toy!
I finished my dye-a-long project

Shop Update
Tuesday, April 23 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 30

Episode 30 - DAL Fail



Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes!

Shownotes:

Announcements
I was interviewed on the TapGurl on the Go podcast! Listen here.

Knitting
SeeD Socks - Done!
Hinagiku Hat - Done!
Lowry Pullover

Spinning
Unwind Yarn Company Merino

Dyeing
DAL attempt #1

Shop Update
Tuesday, April 16 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 29

Episode 29 - DFWFF 2013 Recap



Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes!

"Shownotes":

This episode is a collection of vlogs, interviews, pictures, and stash acquisitions from this year's DFW Fiber Fest in Grapevine, TX.

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 28

Episode 28 - April Fool's?



Shownotes:

Knitting
Lowry Pullover
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover
SeeD Socks

Spinning
Unwind Yarn Company Merino

Dyeing
New colorway, DAL

Shop Update
DFW Fiber Fest April 5-7
Shop Update Tuesday, April 2 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 27

Episode 27 - So Long, PC



Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes

Shownotes:

Knitting
Lowry Pullover
SeeD Socks
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover

Spinning
Unwind Yarn Company Merino

Dye-a-Long
Sign-ups end Sunday, March 31!

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 26

Episode 26 - The Episode That Almost Didn't Happen





Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes!

Shownotes:

Announcements

Highland Handmades/Fiberista Files interview last week

Knitting

Lowry Pullover

Hinagiku Hat

SeeD Socks

Al-Ciel Sweater

Spinning

Highland Handmades SW BFL - DONE!

Unwind Yarn Company Merino

Dyeing/Ask A Dyer

Debcquilts - So….how the heck does yarn absorb more dye than it can hang on to? And what am I to do with a pitch black unstable yarn besides throw it away?
But…more importantly, I will challenge an assumption I learned somewhere….is the dye really set when the color of the water in immersion dyeing is clear?

Lorrieu - The other question is when taking notes what is your ‘format’? Seems when I take notes on something……in the end it is not something I would care to repeat and on the days I don’t take notes………darn I should have. I will admit I am not a note taker type so formats are the key for me and I never know where to start.

How do you hook up or connect with people, places or shops that you do wholesale with? How do you approach them? How does that type of pricing work?

CecileinIndiana - When you were talking about your SeeD Socks, you mentioned your new colorway, SeeD and the fact that you dyed the yarn so it would pool. The science behind pooling is a bit confusing to me: I know what pooling is (at least I think: it’s when the colors on the yarn will form blocks in your knitting and, when sometimes it can be a nice surprise, it can also be very frustrating…), but I can’t tell, by looking at a skein in a store on on a computer screen, if a yarn will be “just” variegated, with nice spreading of the colors overall, or will pool like crazy. I’m guessing it will always depend on your gauge and your number of stitches per row… I never thought there was a way to know and it was random luck (or unluck!).

Here is my question: How do you predict if a yarn will pool? You, as a dyer, how do you proceed to obtain pooling and non-pooling colorways?

Dye-a-Long

Sign-ups through March 31, assignments go out April 1, DAL ends April 30.

Prizes so far: skein of Gynx Yarns, Voolenvine stitch markers, BCYarnings fiber

Budget ideas

Color ideas

Shop Update

DFW Fiber Fest – April 5 - 7

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 25

Episode 25 - An Interview With Highland Handmades





Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes!

Shownotes:

Interview
Heather of Highland Handmades and The Fiberista Files Podcast

Ask a Dyer
Dyeing fiber

Dye-A-Long
All information can be found here!

Shop Update
Tuesday, March 12 at 1 pm Central

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 24

Episode 24 - New Place





Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes

Shownotes:

Announcements:
Allyson Dykhuizen interivew
Friday Studios interview
Highland Handmades interview questions

Knitting:
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover 
Hinagiku Hat
SeeD Socks

Spinning:
Highland Handmades SW BFL

Stash Enhancements:
Lollipop Yarn "Whisker Lickens'"

Dyeing:
Express your interest in the dye-a-long here!

Shop:
Final Fantasy VII March shipments have gone out!

Dyer Interview: Friday Studios

 It's been a while since I've actually written a blog post. Ever since I started recording the podcast, I've come to really enjoy using video as my platform every week (and I have some other non-podcast video ideas in my head). That being said, I don't want to abandon this humble blog that got me started.

If you are familiar with my podcast, you've probably seen a few interviews I've done with dyers and other fun people in the fibery world. Sometimes though, there is a dyer that I can't record a video interview with, like if there is a lack of equipment for example. I've decided to post some written interviews on this blog so we can all soak up as much information from various dyers as possible, whether it's through video or a blog post.

Now that I've rambled for a bit, let me introduce today's interviewee: Frida from Friday Studios. I've admired her work for a while now (I have my first skein of hers on its way to me now!) and was thrilled that she agreed to let me interview her!

All photos are courtesy of Friday Studios

"Vampire Bill" Courtesy of Friday Studios

First thing’s first, tell us a bit about yourself and your business.

I live a quiet life in a very small village on an island in a lake about an hour away from Stockholm in Sweden, with my husband Ola and two angora rabbits. I work from home and I am very happy being alone during the day, and I would say that one of my greatest accomplishments, in my work life, is that I have eliminated early mornings. ;) Though lots of my yarns are dyed in the middle of the night.

I have a background as a silversmith and an art jeweler, I have a bachelor in Fine Arts, but  I somehow got tired of that world. And I found “my people” among the knitters, spinners and dyers. :)

When and how did you start dyeing? What sort of resources (books, Internet, teachers) did you use to get started?

I rediscovered knitting during art school, creating interesting shapes based on a mitten pattern, and then I learned that you could dye wool with food colors and koolaid, and it sort of exploded from there. 

The first yarn I dyed was from necessity, I had a sock pattern in mind, the Kebnekaise socks, and I needed a specific color pattern for it to work, so I dyed that yarn using food color from the store.

I learned a lot from reading tutorials on the internet and from Youtube. I don't really have a go to book, I developed my own methods through trial and error, constantly evolving my methods.

Sweden is a small country and there is usually no one to ask or learn from, you get used to learning on your own. I wish I would have taken some classes in the textile department in school, but I did not know then that I would need it now, and as it is now I have a very open mind about techniques and colors.

"Toothpaste" Courtesy of Friday Studios

What made you decide to start selling your hand dyed yarns?

I have always created things with my hands, and I think I was always on a path to owning my own business selling something of my own creation. I can not see myself doing any other kind of work.

When I was little I sold polymer clay animals, I painted and then it was silver jewelry that morphed into art jewelry and then hand spun yarns, knitting patterns, dyed wool and now self striping yarn.

What are some dye techniques that you particularly enjoy?

Any involving me playing with dye. ;)

I mostly work with immersion dyeing, using lots of little containers and a microwave oven,  and I am always experimenting with new ways to skein the yarn, new ways to apply the dye or new equipment. I am very interested in what happens to the colors when you knit the yarn into fabric.

The next thing will probably be a small knitting machine, because I am itching to try to dye knitted fabric. 

Courtesy of Friday Studios

What is the space you work in like?

I work from my home, a little grey/blue house with a garden. I dye in my laundry room where I have great access to running water and a drying cabinet and I have confiscated the whole top floor for yarn, wool, swifts and spinning wheels. I love working from home in my own pace and in my own time, not having to get ready to go somewhere in the mornings. 

Courtesy of Friday Studios

Courtesy of Friday Studios

Do you have a favorite colorway you have created?

As I am sure all dyers say, the latest one, ;) But I think my favorites are Vampire Bill and Science Fiction. Right now, though, I am really in love with the gradients, specifically Rose Hip.

"Science Fiction" Courtesy of Friday Studios

What drew you to self-striping yarns/gradients?

I love squares, color blocks and stripes, all through art school that defined me. I do love other kinds of patterns too, and I buy a lot of variegated yarn, but that is not what “comes out of me” what I create. You have to accept what you are good at and go with it.

And I love the defined borders between colors and seeing what happens when you put one color next to another, next to another, and then how the whole is perceived. It is easy to be inspired by something and pick out a bunch of colors, the tricky thing is to make the combination work and reflect the thing you were inspired of.

Are there any dyers or fiber artists that you look up to or find their work inspiring?

I admire all small crafty business owners, and I love reading blogs and watching podcasts and Youtube channels. I really admire you who find the time to do that too.

My inspirations still comes a lot from the art jewelry world, I love Lisa Walkers work (http://www.lisawalker.de), and I greatly admire my two professors from art school, Karen Pontoppidan and Ruudt Peters (http://www.ruudtpeters.nl), both for their work, their teachings and way of life.

What advice would you give to people interested in trying out

dyeing in general or specifically more complicated techniques like self-striping yarns or gradients?

Just go for it, there is no right and wrong, accept what you are good at and remember to do what you like. Find information, test techniques and learn, there is always something to learn. Write down what you are doing, so that you can reproduce it. Oh, and ask people, ask how they are doing it, maybe they don't mind sharing.

What advice would you give to people interested in selling hand dyed yarn?

About the same as in the question above. Just go for it. Try things out and learn, never stop evolving. Etsy is a good way to start, but you have to work with a great deal of competition there. Learn about your customers, what they want, what they are willing to pay, and pay for. Ravelry is a great place to get to know your customers. Be proud of your product and don't sell anything that you don't like yourself. And ask people for help. 

"Scary Movie" Courtesy of Friday Studios

Reader Question from knittygirl on Ravelry: How do you decide which colors to stripe? Do you have inspiration or do you play around with different colors?

Hello knittygirl! I get inspiration from everything around me, and I see color combinations or a mood I want to communicate, and I go from there.

For example Science Fiction started with a love of that turquoise and green, and it felt like the covers of old science fiction books to me, when it was done.

Vampire Bill, on the other hand, started with a love of Charlaine Harris´s books and I tried to get the feel of that character. When inspiration hits I try to just go with it, and when inspiration is lost, I do an old favorite. :)

How can people find you and get in contact?

The best way to get in contact with me is through Email, Ravelry or any of the below really. To get the latest news about updates and sales you can join my newsletter.

I am always open to custom orders or color ways, just ask!

Mail: studios@fridaaberg.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/oQAAD

Shop: http://fridaystudios.bigcartel.com

Blog: www.fridaystydios.biz

Ravelry: Fridaa

Plurk: FridayStudios

Twitter: FridayStudios

Facebook: Friday Studios

Instagram: FridayStudios

Thank you!

Frida