American Kool-Aid Dyeing

Earlier this summer I was gifted thirteen different varieties of Kool-aid from the United States.  We have Kool-aid here in Canada and lots of different flavours, but the American Kool-aid is slightly different.  For starters, there are different flavours available in each country.  Then, even with the same flavour there are slight differences when using it for dye.  For example, orange Canadian Kool-aid gives a slightly more neon orange than orange American Kool-aid.

I've completed dyeing with my wonderful gift and here are the results.

From top to bottom, left to right.

Orange, Lemon-Lime, Lemonade, Grape

Pink Lemonade, Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Cherry, Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Berry Blue

Black Cherry, Cherry, Tropical Punch, Blastin' Berry Cherry

There is almost no difference in the shade of the Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade and the Watermelon Cherry.  Same pink.  Also, the Tropical Punch and the Blastin' Berry Cherry are an identical shade of red.

I used five packets of Kool-aid for each 100 gram skein.  I've learned from past trial and errorssssssss that that gives me a true saturated colour.  Less and the colour isn't true, more and the dye is wasted.  I heat a pot of water, add the Kool-aid, stir until the Kool-aid is dissolved, and then add the wet skein.  Simmer for about 5-10 minutes - not long!!.  Let cool a bit and rinse.  Kool-aid dyeing is truly easy. 

Now, the question of the summer.  What do I do with all this brilliant colour?  I'd like to make something for Yves, the gift giver.  What?  Some blindingly bright Kaffe Fassett type thing?  How can I possibly combine all these colours in one project?  Suggestions are welcomed.

School doesn't officially start for me until next week but the reality of the situation is that it requires more preparation than most realize.  My classroom was painted over the summer break and things are a mess.  So this week is cleaning, sorting, and re-organizing at school just to see my way clear to the desks!!!  It's not like punching the clock so I can come and go as I please but, things need to be ready to go by the end of the week.  My summer holiday is basically over - sob, sob. 

Comments

[Zonda]

Seems like this summer flew by huh! Your kool-aid yarns turned out quite well!!

[Ialiuxh]

Hat! I'm always a big fan of giving hats as gifts. Maybe something along the lines of this for pattern inspiration? http://knitpicks.com/Checks+%26+Charms+Hat+and+Mitten+Set_PD50428220.html

[kathleen]

I just might have to try the kool-aid thing. Your test will help in chosing colors.

Stars I thought of but not snow. Yes definately snow.

[Baby Brother]

Yves and I were just checking out the blog and, wow, are those colours vibrant! They look great.

[judy]

Very, Very, Very beautiful colours.

[Jessica Madsen]

How about some sort of Bohus style knit? They use lots of color...perhaps not quite as bright as these amazing Kool-aid yarns!

Another possibility would be a granny-square shawl. I've seen some with wild color combos!

[Deb]

Enjoy that last weekend! Good luck on Tuesday!

[Deb]

What about his book for your yarn? http://www.camillavalleyfarm.com/books/kbook2.htm#bk217a Or maybe something from Philosophers Wool? (Fair Isle Simplified? I think that is their book)

[freshisle]

Kool-aid yarns definitely glow! Thanks for all the great ideas. It was so much fun trying all the different kinds.

[Jo]

My local grocery store has Mango Koolaid - a lighter yellow-orange than the plain orange. Would you like me to send you a few packets? If so, contact me and I can send you some.