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Post by Pandagirl on Jul 13, 2015 16:24:23 GMT
Josie, dharma has tutorials on dyeing. You can use procion mix or acid on silk. I prefer acid because there is less washout and run off. Jacquard also has a green silk dye that can be used for wool as well, but they are small tubes. But using the steam method you can get nice results. Jacquard.com has instructions on dyeing as well. Zed has instructions on her blog feltbyzed.blogspot.com/p/free-tutorials.htmlBe sure to show us the results after you get started. Have fun!
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Post by MTRuth on Jul 13, 2015 17:30:54 GMT
Hi Josie, I too would recommend acid dyes. I usually dye my wool in a pot to get a fairly solid color and heat for 30 minutes. Then let cool and rinse. For "painted" silk scarves, I would lay the scarf out on plastic wrap, add the different dye colors either with a brush or use something like a pipette or syringe to apply color. You'll need to soak the scarf first in acid solution (vinegar and water). I like the wet on wet look for applying color but you can get "harder" lines on dry fabric. Then you can cover with another piece of plastic wrap, roll up and steam for 30 minutes. There is a great site for all questions dyeing: www.pburch.net/dyeing.shtmlJudith just made some great scarves that she shows here: feltandfiberstudio.proboards.com/thread/2344/couple-scarvesBoth types of dye have many color variations and you can mix your own colors. I usually just get the primary colors and mix from there. I mix up dye solutions of different colors and then use these to "paint" scarves. And yes, you can paint the entire scarf length if you have a surface long enough to lay out your scarf.
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Post by zed on Jul 14, 2015 10:42:26 GMT
I think Ruth's pretty much covered it. I mostly just use the primaries too, and black. I find that the 'standard' red is too weak or something so I add a little black, you can test the colours out on a bit of paper.
If I want a bunch of fibre to be variegated, I spread it out, squirt/drip bits of the colours/shades I want onto the fibre, then press it to spread the dye out. I very rarely dye things a flat colour.
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Post by josiebrat on Jul 16, 2015 4:43:06 GMT
Marilyn/Ruth/Zed,
Wow lots to learn about dyeing, and lots of work for me to do. I will take some time this weekend to read through some of the blogs/sites listed above. Will keep you posted but don't expect I will be doing this too soon, but I will start gathering materials needed. thanks again, Josie
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Post by jwugg on Jul 16, 2015 5:45:40 GMT
Josie, If you're looking to dye silk fabric, rather than fibres, there are 2 easy, tried & tested colour-fast ways, which give you control ; silk paints.
2 types of silk paints basically; 1 needs hours of steaming (it gives great saturated colours but don't bother as a beginner), the other is heat-set. Which means you simply iron it. & then it's colourfast & light-fast. If you want to make specific patterns/ images on your silk fabric you'll need gutta (get the water based), which acts as a barrier for the paint to stop it spreading. it makes the outlines of the design. You can get clear (washes out leaving a thin blank line, or lots of metallic colours. But you can easily play without gutta - just let the paints merge, marble, mix with water for paler, watercolour effects, do ramdom stripes - where they overlap the colours will mix etc. Also shibori techniques by folding & wrapping etc., add salt for texture, & lots more.
I'd suggest buy a few colours to get started, some primaries, but also some shades that call to you! Did that help?
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Post by koffipot on Jul 16, 2015 6:27:09 GMT
I sometimes use a frame to 'paint' my silk. My son-in-law made mine, but this lady makes hers from pvc pipe and fittings:- www.youtube.com/watch?v=M88o30jiwU0I use Lanaset dyes. You can get 10g pots from WoW quite cheaply and they go a loooong way. I have a set of about 10 colours, then mix them. I do still have a few Cibacron dyes from years ago and they give the best red and magenta. I use gutta or hot wax for outlining, I have an old slow cooker full of beeswax. A beekeeper friend gave me some spent combs and I rendered it down to get out the 'gubbins'. You can also use a 'fabric stop' medium to prevent the colours from spreading, you paint it onto the fabric and let it dry before painting on the dye. Spray starch, hairspray or thin wallpaper paste work as alternatives to the special stuff. I'm all for using what is in the cupboard. Salt sprinkled onto the wet dye creates lovely textural patterns. Alcohol either brushed or dripped on creates other effects. When steaming the finished piece, cover your piece in newsprint, then roll it in more newsprint. Make sure the work won't be sitting in a puddle and place a piece of towel and more newsprint on top of the pan before fitting the lid to prevent drips which can spoil your effect. Take a look on Youtube - there are countless useful videos there. Have fun!
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Post by josiebrat on Jul 20, 2015 11:40:30 GMT
Thanks everyone for your detailed info re dyeing. After more thought I think I have my hands in too many things right now so I'll have to wait to try the dyeing later. I have some good points and info to work with. Best regards, Josie
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