Let’s Explore – Yarn Dyeing

Sally knows all about dyeing yarns and has generously agreed to inspire you to create your own yarns. It is rather fun to have some of your own uniquely coloured threads on hand to use on a whim! The main focus of the day is learning about cellulose yarn dyeing but there will be time to focus on your own current project, plus all the usual sharing that happens.

We can never assume wonderful weather even in December!  Please bring plastic drop-cloths and a few old towels in case we are working inside. I am all too aware we are using dye!! Please consider wearing  older clothes.

In preparation, please collect every variety of yarn you can find –  op shops are often a good source. Swapping with others on the day may add to your variety. Collect a variety (in skein or ball form) – cotton, bamboo, rayon of different plys, textures etc – mostly white but feel free to experiment with ecru or other pale shades to over-dye if you wish. Do not prepare them in any way before the day.

There will be a $4 charge on the day to cover consumables such as dye, chemicals and printed notes for all who attend.

Inspiration

What to bring

• Winding
  • Piece of cardboard, 50cm long (and at least 15cm wide for stability)
  • Scissors
  • Optional: yarn swift
  • ** we can also “buddy up” and use a helper to hold the yarn, or use a chair or similar object to wrap yarn around
• Dyeing
  • Cellulose yarn skein/s (e.g. 100g of cotton yarn)
  • Plastic measuring spoons and cups (metric)
  • Plastic or stainless steel containers (for soaking and dyeing, 2–5 litre capacity)
  • Stirring utensil (plastic or stainless steel)
  • Plastic wrap or resealable bags (optional, for batch dyeing)
  • Scales (accurate to 0.1g for measuring dye and chemicals)
  • Timer (optional)
  • A sheet of plastic or an opened out garbage bag to cover your table space plus an old towel (bath towel size)
  • Dust mask and gloves (for safety when handling dye powder)
  • Apron
  • Hand towel for hands and possible spillages
  • Kitty litter trays for taking goodies home
• $4 to cover dyes and chemicals
• Your lunch (or cash to purchase lunch nearby)
• Note: your membership provides tea, green tea, instant coffee, milk and mugs

And…. please don’t go and buy dye scales or timer if you don’t have them already. There will be at least one set for sharing.

How to find Kingborough Women’s Club Rooms

Upcoming Explore Days

That’s a wrap for this year!

We are always grateful to receive offers or ideas on themed exploration days. If you would like to be involved in 2026, please contact us to discuss.

How to join KWC and attend our regular Explore Days

• Any financial member of the Kingborough Women’s Club (KWC) ($40 per annum) is welcome to join our monthly Let’s Explore Sundays at no extra cost.

• If you aren’t already a KWC member you can apply here then scan or photograph your form and email it to [email protected] with “KWC Application” in the header.
  Alternatively, you could bring the form with you on a Let’s Explore Sunday.

• Once we reply to your email, then please make payment directly to KWC.
  The annual fee is $40 and is due 1 July each year.