SPINNING RAINBOW DYED TOPS

   Rainbow dying should not be confused with space dyeing. Space dying is an exact repeat of
colors in a specific order. Rainbow dying is an abstract coloring that is made using the three
primary colors or one color that is poured random over the tops. There is no pattern or
intentional repeat of color. It just happens.
   There are several ways to spin rainbow tops to achieve a balance of color in a yarn. Divide
the roving down the center in half, then divide the two lengths in half again. Spinning each of
these length will cause the colors to repeat through out the yarn. Ply the rainbow singles with a
solid color single will create a novelty effect with all the colors showing through. Any solid
color can be used, but when black is used the rainbow singles looks like jewels.  If two rainbow
singles are plied together you will have different colors touching creating interesting
combinations. By Navajo plying (3 ply yarn) the singles all the colors will line up  will produce
color on color. This technique will cause some of the natural elasticity to be lost in the yarn.
   If you are not satisfied with the color skein just top dye the finished yarn in any color you
like and be amazed.
 
 

BLENDED FIBERS

   There are several reasons for blending. The two main reasons are necessity and aesthetics. The
object of blending is to combine two or more fibers or colors in such a way as emphasize the
best features of each while minimizing each fiber's less desirable qualities. This is why it is
important to know the properties and characteristics of each fiber being used in the blend.
   There are three ways of blending: homologous, ortho and accent. A homologous blend is when
two or more fibers or colors are carded or combed together. If there is a noticeable difference
in length the longer fiber must be cut or it becomes difficult to card the fibers evenly and when
drafting the longer fiber will try to dominate. The size of the drafting triangle depends on the
length of the fiber and can not be shorter than the fiber or it will be impossible to draw the fiber
out.
   An ortho blend is the mixing of two or more fibers or colors in yarn form. All that is
necessary is to spin bobbins with different fibers or colors and ply them together. Although this
is much faster than doing a homologous blend, great care must be given to fiber combination as
each fiber has it's own shrinkage and elasticity values. A very old method of ortho blending takes
place in the weaving of fabric. By using different fibers for warp and weft a balanced ortho
blend will occur.
   Accent blending is the combination of two or more fibers or colors in the finished garment.
This could involve the use of an expensive or rare fiber for trim on a wool sweater. It is
important to chose fiber combinations so that the fabric care is the same.
   The justification for the 80%wool/20%nylon blend is color and texture. The high luster of the
nylon adds glitter and makes the wool look very expensive while not taking away any of the
wools natural properties. 
   The justification for the 80%wool/20%cotton neps is color and texture. This roving has to be
spun fine enough so that the neps can be seen. Acid dyes will only color the wool fibers leaving
the cotton undyed. 
 
 

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