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Post by MTRuth on Apr 15, 2014 20:12:45 GMT
Sorry to hear about your explosion - glad it wasn't any worse than it was. You need to bite the bullet and get some real dyes
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Post by Shepherdess on Apr 15, 2014 20:42:38 GMT
I am sorry to here about the fire but it is a funny story after it's all over. go to dharma trading and get a starter kit and have some fun. but do not use your food microwave. look for one on your local freecycle or in a second hand store.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 16, 2014 0:58:54 GMT
Thanks, Ruth and Ann. Must move on to real dyes, as you said. Fortunately I am able to see the humor in my mistakes!
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Post by Pandagirl on Apr 16, 2014 1:43:38 GMT
I'm sorry to hear about your microwave and spoiled cocoons. I have plenty of cocoons here if you need them dyed and undyed. I bought a small microwave on sale at Target. I'm sure you can find a good deal. Sometimes the ones at the thrift stores are really gross and may not work. I got tired of running around looking for a decent used one. I haven't used the microwave to dye yet, but it comes in handy to heat up my soap mix.
Ruth's idea for a starter kit is a good one. Or you can go to Dick Blick and try the Jacquard Silk green label dyes. You can either steam them or use the dye concentrate to set them. The concentrate doesn't produce as rich color and isn't as colorfast as steaming, but it's convenient in a pinch.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 16, 2014 3:30:00 GMT
Yes, thanks Marilyn--it is time to get those expert dyes, perhaps a small microwave just for felting usage. I've been microwaving my wet felt soap mix, so it would be a good time to do it all. Also running short of silk…so onto Dharma tomorrow. I'm okay on the cocoons because only one jar was ruined. I was able to salvage the rest. Since I've made such a mess with the food colors, can't you just imagine what trouble I'll get into with the acid dyes?
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Post by Pandagirl on Apr 16, 2014 13:32:44 GMT
I always steam my projects. I have yet to try the microwave. I tend to walk away from things to go do others so maybe that's why I'm dragging my feet using the microwave. :-).
Well, I hope you don't get into to trouble with the acid dyes. That would be a mess especially if there's anything within reach that would dye. You could end up with tie dye curtains or something. Be sure to get a mask and long gloves. Start saving your jars for the mix. You won't want to mix too often. That's what I like about the acid dyes. You can mix then save. I also like those Jacquard silk green dyes -- no mixing required unless you add water. But you need squirt bottles or brushes to apply and a lot of plastic wrap.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 16, 2014 13:42:34 GMT
Took a look at Dharma's dyes last evening and I got dizzy with all of the choices. Putting any kind of dyeing on the back burner right now, but I will come back to your recommendations and notes on dyeing on the Forum.
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Post by Shepherdess on Apr 16, 2014 13:44:35 GMT
acid dye last a long time mixed up.
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Post by MTRuth on Apr 16, 2014 16:14:50 GMT
Dharma brand acid dyes work great. You only need to start with black, yellow, red and blue. Then you can mix the rest of your colors.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 16, 2014 18:21:35 GMT
Ruth, do you use the fixatives or Synthrapol that Dharma recommends? Or just the acid dyes and vinegar?
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Post by MTRuth on Apr 16, 2014 19:09:33 GMT
I just use acid dyes and regular white vinegar that I get in big jugs from Costco. I do have Synthrapol/textile detergent but I don't use it much. I use the Synthrapol much more with fiber reactive dyes and cotton because they lose so much dye when rinsing compared to the acid dyes.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 16, 2014 21:50:48 GMT
Thanks, Ruth…that's very helpful!
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Post by Shepherdess on Apr 17, 2014 17:06:45 GMT
I use dish soap instead of synthrapol. I put a little in the soak waster to help the wool get wet and that's it. and just vinegar or citric acid for the dyeing
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Post by Pandagirl on May 1, 2014 3:11:08 GMT
I had another dyeing day this week preparing for a new week in Fiona's class. I dyed more silk Habotai, silk gauze and pencil rovings. I tried something different. I used both acid dyes and the Jacquard Green dyes. (not together) Usually the green dyes have to sit overnight before steaming, but I was impatient. So, I used plastic bags for the solid colors and plastic wrap for the variegated rovings. I was surprised that all the colors were bright and there was no wash out. I did put a teaspoon of vinegar in each bag even though I had presoaked them in vinegar. So Cathy, there is no reason not to use the bags. I did have some leakage with the saran wrap, but it wasn't bad. Here's the results: feltingandfiberstudio.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/view4pqubv81fsh3jkyr.jpg
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on May 1, 2014 11:51:37 GMT
Very nice lot of dyeing, Marilyn! Looks like you may be getting ready for a big project. I much prefer the plastic bag method over the saran wrap.
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