I've never bought second hand yarn before because usually I don't have any idea if it is wool/cotton/acrylic etc and what ply it is. But luckily for me this pile was made up of lots and lots of little balls and some of them still had their label with the brand (which I recognised) and their details.

The first chance I got I crocheted up a beanie using Vallie's kids Olivia's butterfly pattern.

It was the first beanie I've ever crocheted that fit the desired recipient's head, although looking at it now, it probably could do with one more row.

I ended up dying the beanie after I had finished it using a dark grey dye and am pleased to say that cotton/microfiber dyes beautifully.

I might have a go at dying a whole chunk of it today for another project I have in mind. Any hints about dying yarn appreciated. I am a bit unsure how to do it without getting into one big knot.