Sun bleached handknitted baby cardigans.

[YeahThatsTheBadger]

This topic seems like the best place to get some advice and I'm really hoping someone can help.

A friends granny knitted 10 lovely cream/white cardigans for my dc2 when I was pregnant 2-3 years ago.
She has since developed severe arthritis in her hands and can no longer knit. Her granddaughter has just had a baby and the granny is disappointed that she can't knit for the new baby. I wanted to give her some of the cardigans. Unfortunately, when I washed them last, I hung them on the line and the sun bleached them. Not all over, just very patchy and very noticeable.

Can I dye the cardigans using a shop bought dye? I have no idea what type of wool it is. I remember it felt sort of squeaky when I washed it if that gives any indication as to the type of wool.
Oh and I'm planning on dyeing it a pastely green colour as I'm 6 months pregnant and hoping to keep some of the cardigans.

I would really appreciate any help or advice. Thank you!

Ashford do a good range of wool dyes which are easy to use (just add vinegar) and they stay colour fast.

I am wondering if it is Aran wool that the lady used? It becomes softer every time it is washed and is a bit squeaky feeling.

Unless they are a natural fibre I think you'll struggle. The results may well be patchy too.

Can you leave them in the sun for longer and see if they bleach all over?

I agree with Soupdragon, if it's acrylic yarn you will struggle to dye it.

Can you check with the person that knitted it?

The sun might brighten up the rest or you could say it's a design feature?

Like Two says, I would see if your friend's granny can remember what it was before trying to dye them.

Its a lovely thought and by sharing your plan with her, she will know that you loved the cardis enough to hang onto them. She'll also know that some of her knitting will be gracing her new great grandchild, which might stop her feeling sad that she can't knit any new stuff for him/her.

FWIW I would also try to find a muted colour as pastel green sounds a bit . A soft grey would be good for a boy or girl and maybe a bit more modern than green?

This is a shot in the dark and might only work for the white cardies but how about using net curtain whitener if the yarn is acrylic?

If it is a natural yarn you could try either of these suggestions

Squeaky when wet suggests acrylic, which you can't dye domestically.

Why not try leaving them in the sun again and seeing if this evens up the fading?

Thank you so much for all the replies.

As I have a few cardis, I'll try leaving one out in the sun again, try one in the net whitener and might give the wool dye a go on another.

Thanks again.