Wool has been a bit of a passion of mine for some time now. I love the way it feels, the way it looks, and the way things can come together so quickly!
I was after some wool colours I found hard to find, so good old Pete (my one and only husband) decided to try his hand at dyeing some of his own. In his former life, Pete used to be a mad scientist (did DNA research on racehorses and Przewalski's horses for zoos for something a little different), and the dyeing of wool is right up his alley. He has a little book of formulas constantly at his side, and is forever concocting a new solution - a pinch of this and a dash of that!
Here is just a very small sample of some of the wool Pete has dyed
I think Pete has about 600 colours up his sleeve to date, so I wish he would STOP, because it is SO HARD to decide! SO many choices!!!
I am using the wool in a couple of projects for the workshop being held at 'Cottage on the Hill' in Nundle which is now less than a month away (March 13th & 14th). I wish I could show you, but have been bound to secrecy until after the workshop. It is all hush hush - I just hope everyone likes everything!!
Our house is now Woven Wool Central. There is wool on the table, on the chairs, the lounge, the day bed, the ironing board, in boxes, in the clothes baskets, in bags - ARGH! I'm sure I'll come home to find Pete suffocated under it all soon! It is very delicious though.....
Send Pete my way. I'll put him to work dyeing wool for me.Then he will never be bored!!!!!!!! Who knows, maybe he will find a new hobby after he gets sick of wool dyeing.
Posted by: Debbie | February 18, 2010 at 04:58 PM
Love the colours he has come up with and can't wait for you to share what you are up to after the retreat.
Posted by: Annie | February 18, 2010 at 05:52 PM
Anni,
Wow what a great job. All you need to do is teach him how to sew on the sewing machine and get him designing.
Sandy N
Posted by: SandyN | February 18, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Love the colours! I am looking forward to what you have designed for Nundle - I know I will love it!!!!! See you there!
Posted by: Meredith | February 18, 2010 at 06:46 PM
Absolutely beautiful woven wools Pete! Jamie's aunt naturally dyes her own wool at Wagga if you are interested.... she is a spinner and used to do alot of 'visits' to schools and demo's at other places.
Posted by: Bec | February 18, 2010 at 07:13 PM
Looking forward to meeting you and seeing your projects soon. I'm accommpanying my friend to Nundle. She went last year and had a ball, so she is dragging me along this year to share the driving. Really there is no dragging needed.
Posted by: Cheryl from Brisbane Australia | February 18, 2010 at 07:40 PM
What a treat to have your mad scientist on hand - colours on demand! Have fun playing with all those gorgeous goodies!
Regards, Sue
Posted by: Sue H. | February 18, 2010 at 08:48 PM
oohhh can't wait for Karen aka Mrs Martin to stock those lovely wools. I have lots of projects just waiting for some lovely, no beautiful colored wool. Keep up the great work Pete and Annie.
Posted by: Bronwyn | February 18, 2010 at 09:34 PM
I hope you start selling them! the wools are great!
Posted by: Simone | February 18, 2010 at 11:18 PM
oh what fun! Lovely selection of colours so I can see how choosing would be a problem!
How long did it take you to spell the title right????
Posted by: Heckety | February 19, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Oh lucky you! I am just doing my first project in wool and like you, have fell in love! Where do you get your wool for your husband to dye?
Posted by: Bonny Schmid | February 19, 2010 at 02:32 AM
Anni, Petes done a fantastic job. I can't wait to see all the new colours...... 200 ths't soooo many. You might need a whoe you web site just for his wool (lol) Good job well done Pete. I love to see Aussies being creative & I love Australian made stuff..... move over China here comes Pete !
Posted by: Robyn...... of 'Robyn's Nest ' | February 19, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Pete has the touch, the colours look so yummillyummilly! Looking forward to seeing what you create with them!
Posted by: Jo in Tas | February 19, 2010 at 09:00 AM
They look great - cant wait to see what you have in stall for Nundle
Posted by: dawnie | February 22, 2010 at 09:29 PM
you seem to be the perfect match, my husband only looks at my inventions with eyes wide open, at least he doesn't mind going to work with threads in his coat, and moving the fabric pile to find the table
Posted by: vivi | February 25, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Hi Anni! Tell Pete I'm very impressed about his wool dyeing! Lots of beautiful colors! Maybe he should talk to John about dyeing wool... ;-) See you in Minneapolis!
Posted by: Debbie Lofgren | February 26, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Oooo I love hints. Can't wait 'til Nundle. Can't wait to find out what your project is...
Look forward to meeting you too.
Posted by: Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crasfts | February 26, 2010 at 05:31 PM
I love the colours ! Congratulations Pete !
Posted by: Coco | July 10, 2010 at 06:21 PM