A Gentle Shift in the Studio – SSC Prep, New Yarn Arrival & Labels Ready
- Jenine Biggins
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Today unfolded a little differently than expected, but it felt full of quiet, happy progress.
I spent some time fine-tuning my Stock Solutions (SSC's) for the purple gradient sets. Everything is now measured, balanced and ready. So Monday the dye pots will come alive with that deep velvety purple graduation. Getting this technical foundation right makes the creative part even more joyful.
Then a beautiful delivery arrived: Fine Merino/Nylon Superwash Fingering Weight Sock yarn. It’s so gorgeously soft, bouncy, durable and perfect for everyday socks, shawls or anything that needs a little stretch and easy care.
I'm already imagining turning some into delicious colourways with the same purple gradient, but with a few surprises along the way. One idea that's really sparking is playing with purples and blues to create a stripey sock yarn that shifts and pops in fun ways. And if I can get my writing cap on quickly, a simple basic vanilla sock pattern, classic, no-frills, designed to let the yarn be the star.
On top of that, the yarn labels are finally ready for printing. Clean, personal and just right for when these skeins make their way to the shop.
Some days my plan shifts, but I still get very excited about the ideas ahead. Every small step brings the collection closer.
As I’ve grown as a fibre dyer, I have had to learn a lot of new techniques and calculations to get the result I am after. Things like:
What exactly is an SSC (Stock Solution Concentration) in dyeing and how does that relate to how dyes strike with fibre. How do you calculate it for consistent, beautiful results? I'd love to go deeper into this next week with a step-by-step guide.
Why are some yarns simply called “Wool Yarn – Hand Wash Only” while others are labelled “Superwash”? Another one for a future post . The differences in feel, care, behaviour and environmental impact are sworth having a chat about.
What do you love when new yarn arrives? Is the feel of the fibre, or the ideas that begin to grow, or something else entirely? I'd love to hear in the comments.
With excited fingers and stripey dreams
Jenine @PigletandSquid Melbourne, Australia
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