For my 2nd interview, I’d like to introduce to you Sandy, AKA Jaylyn on Ravelry! She’s the Indie Dyer for Mad Science yarns, which you can find here!

Isn’t this just the greatest logo?

1. How long have you been dyeing yarn and how did you get started?

I started dyeing in December of 2008. I was madly in love with the skeins I was seeing on the swaps when I first joined Karma Yarn Swap on Ravelry, and inspired by the dyers. Kool Aid? Wiltons? I had to try. In July of 2009, I began using Jacquard Acid Dyes, and use them exclusively, except for two colorways I cannot seem to get without them.

2. What is your favorite fiber to dye?

Superwash merino is my favorite fiber to dye, but that is probably because it is the most accessible. Since I dye it so much, I can pretty much predict how it is going to behave. I also like merino silk blends; they mellow out the colors beautifully.

3. What tips do you have for a new dyer?

Use twice as much Kool Aide as you think you will need. Be fearless. Don’t be afraid you will hurt the yarn, it’s just yarn. Move on to Acid Dyes if you love dyeing, they are no more difficult and open up a whole new world.

4. What are your favorite colors? Which is your favorite colorway?

Purple has been my favorite color since I was a child. Dyeing has made me look at color in a whole new way. I still love purple, but my list of favorites is now endless. My personal favorite colorway of mine is Pack With the Devil, a deep blue and purple combination. It was the first colorway I actively developed, but I rarely do it anymore, as it is one of the ones I cannot recreate with acid dyes. From other dyers, my favorite is Wollmeise Vincent. I am lucky enough to own a skein, and it is magnificent.

5. How long have you been knitting & How did you get started?

My mom taught me to knit when I was 5. She also taught me to sew and do needlepoint, cross stitch and crewelwork. I took to sewing, not knitting, and did not start knitting seriously until 2004 when a co-worker was making fun fur scarves. I enjoyed blending yarns to make unique scarves, and it escalated from there. I still have a soft spot for that awful stuff!

6. What is your favorite thing to knit?

I don’t have a favorite. I look at my yarns, I look at patterns, and something clicks. Once that happens, that item is my favorite, at the moment. It is very hard to motivate myself to work on things that I am not in love with; sometimes I will not knit for days, because the things on the needles are not inspiring me.

This is her fave knit to date – Dyelectable Yarns Handspun Sock Duo!

7. Do you travel? If so, where’s your favorite place that you’ve been to?

By the time I was 10 I had seen all 48 contiguous states as well as Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas. My father took us cross country several times and showed us all the National Parks and landmarks. I don’t travel much anymore, but my favorite place to visit is San Francisco, CA, my sister is just south of the city, so I can enjoy very homey accommodations while visiting the fantastic city. I would love to travel to Europe some day and visit some of the fabulous art museums.

8. What is your favorite food?

In general, my favorite is authentic Mexican food. But, if I could only have one food the rest of my life, it would be Matey’s Pizza, a frozen pizza made locally with very limited distribution. I had it for lunch today.

9. Do you collect anything? If so, why do you collect that specific item?

Do you need to ask? The answer would be YARN. Also, I collect those squished pennies you make when you go different places…inexpensive memories that do not take up too much space.

Random Facts…

I graduated from the University of Arizona with a B. S. in Business Administration.
I have spent my entire career in Information Technology (formerly known as Data Processing). I used to design Fault Tolerant UNIX systems, now I do Data Base Support for a large corporation.
If I had a do-over, I would have studied fashion design.

Here she is contemplating her next dye job! Put your hands together for Mad Science Yarns!!!!