:: July 2001 
Advice
Dye It, You'll Like It
When I was a Girl Scout, I learned to knit in order to earn a needleworker's badge. I bought a McCall's Knitting for Beginners booklet (for 75 cents in 1965) that contained a sweater pattern I thought was wonderful. I contented myself with knitting the Barbie doll clothes patterns that were good for a beginner; one day, however, I planned to attempt that sweater.
Thirty years later, I did knit that dream sweater. But the orange color called for in the pattern was not for me, so I decided to dye some of the white wool I was using a rich shade of fuchsia. I used Gaywool dye, and am pleased with the evenness and clarity of the color. Now, I have a personalized version of my girlhood aspiration to wear and enjoy.
Look through your patterns for knitting, crocheting, or sewing and see if a color change would enhance your interest in making the item. If so, try your hand at dyeing fabric, yarn. or handspun fibre and treat yourself to a truly original garment