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Post by MTRuth on Dec 14, 2011 19:20:29 GMT
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Post by karen on Dec 14, 2011 20:43:04 GMT
Wow Ruth awesome colors, i think i'd be in heaven there xo
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 14, 2011 23:17:47 GMT
great colours....off I go to your blog
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Post by MTRuth on Dec 14, 2011 23:29:44 GMT
It was like heaven (if I knew what that was like) being able to immerse myself in fiber for 5 full days. I worked hard to get a range of colors. I need more purples and greens.
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Post by zed on Dec 15, 2011 8:45:06 GMT
Looks like fun!
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Post by koffipot on Dec 21, 2011 11:23:48 GMT
You need more purples and blues - whilst we are all green - with envy! Looks like a super place to work in - for 'work' read 'play'.
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Post by MTRuth on Dec 21, 2011 17:05:53 GMT
Judith - I have to dye more thread for my homework so it will definitely be purples and blues It is a wonderful place, it's a big barn and the first floor is all studio space, one wet studio and one dry.
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Post by Judith on Jun 22, 2021 16:27:32 GMT
Hi Ruth, I have quite a bit of linen fabric to dye and found I had a large bag of regular salt that I can use. Dharma's directions for tub dyeing call for dissolving 3 cups of salt. I have tried simmering it on the stove but it just doesn't seem to dissolve very much. Dharma sells a dyer's salt which they say dissolves easily but of course, the shipping is very high for the cost of the item. Do you have any idea what would be the difference with dyer's salt - if there is a more common name for it or if it might be something that could be purchased locally. Judith
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Post by MTRuth on Jun 22, 2021 20:52:47 GMT
Hi Judith, I don't use dyer's salt. What kind of dye are you using? With fiber reactive dyes like Procion, you only need to soak the fabric in soda ash water for an hour or so before dyeing. I also use a small amount of urea when mixing the dyes. I have dyed a lot of linen fabric this way with really good results. A good resource for dyeing is Paula Burch's site: Paula Burch’s All About Hand Dyeing www.pburch.net/dyeing.shtml
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Post by Judith on Jun 22, 2021 23:55:36 GMT
Yes, it is fiber reactive dye from Dharma so I was just using their directions which call for 3 cups salt per pound of fabric. They say to add 1/3 cup soda ash after a half hour. Would be happy to skip the salt. Do you do the dyeing in a washing machine. I have a little portable washing machine that only holds 6 lbs so seems perfect for dyeing a few yards of fabric at a time.
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Post by MTRuth on Jun 23, 2021 3:54:27 GMT
I usually do dyeing in plastic bags. I don't use a lot of water and I'm not trying to get a solid color. But your small machine seems like it would work. I soak the fabric in soda ash water, crumple the fabric in a plastic bag and pour the dye over it. Then I let it sit overnight before rinsing it out.
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 23, 2021 11:59:06 GMT
Paula Burches' site is good because she has information about all the auxiliaries and what they do and when you can skip them. There is also helpful advice like the cheapest way to get soda ash is to buy PHup in pool supplies. I use low water immersion or scrunch dyeing for silk scarves to get a multicoloured effect.
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Post by lindsay on Jun 26, 2021 10:14:03 GMT
The class looks like super fun, Ruth, & your dyed supplies are great. 5 days of group fibre does genuinely sound blissful.
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Post by Judith on Jul 1, 2021 17:17:25 GMT
Another question Ruth. I found instructions for low-immersion dyeing which call for soaking in soda ash, but rather than just soaking they talk about bringing the pot to a boil and then simmering for two hours. Doesn't sound like a good idea with our present high temps. Do you use heat with the soda ash?
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Post by MTRuth on Jul 3, 2021 2:16:43 GMT
No, I just soak fabric or thread for at least an hour in soda ash water. Then gently squeeze out excess moisture. Then add the dye. Then let "batch" for 8 hours. Batch means to keep covered with plastic to keep it wet and leave it alone. Then rinse until excess dye is gone.
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