Suggestions on dye brands please?

[Leonor (of Eleanor Shadow)]

Hello, fellow felters!

As some of you might know, for the past few months I've been very keen on trying acid dyeing my own wool. Given that I have quite a few pounds of raw wool available, I'd like to experiment as much as I can!

My problem is, I always get stuck on brands. I know they all work differently, and I know some brands are better for some colours than others, so I don't really know what to do! 

I live in the UK so I think Dharma is out of the question (a brand I was very keen on trying, by the way) - so... any suggestions for good brands? 

Thanks in advance!

[zed]

I've used Ashford acid dyes and Eurolana from World of Wool and get exactly the same results. One thing I've noticed over the years is people talking about red dyes always taking ages to rinse clear of wool/fibres. I've never had that problem.

[Pandagirl]

Leonor, I think any brand the larger outlets like WOW carry would be fine or they wouldn't carry them for long. ;-)

[koffipot]

I use Eurolana from WOW too. I find them very good.

I used to use Cibacron many years ago and they were excellent too, (I still have some tiny amounts, and they're still working well after about 20 yrs!)

[Leonor (of Eleanor Shadow)]

Lovely, thanks for the feedback! I've been struggling with a decision and it's good to know what people who've tried the brands think. I might go for Eurolana then, especially because they sell it all in a complete kit, which is very useful.

Has anyone used Procion before? I saw some wool dyed with that brand and it looked quite nice as well.

And... if you don't mind my complicating things a bit, here's another question: I've heard people say they prefer this brand for this colour but not the other, or that brand X has a true grey but brand Y's is more green than grey... Anyone have anything to say about this?

[Pandagirl]

If you are dying wool I'd stick to the acid dyes. In my experience Procion has too much wash out and is kind of a pain. I use it for cotton and other plant based fibers, but only because that's what they are made for. I've used it on wool but never get the colors and color fastness I've gotten with acid dyes. Just my opinion. I'm sure other people have more experience.
As far as colors between brands,there are usually shade differences so I'd say I haven't had a reason to compare.

Good luck with the dyes and be sure to share your experience with us.

[koffipot]

Marilyn is right. Acid mediums for wool and other animal fibres. Alkaline for plant based fibres.

[MTRuth]

I agree with Marilyn and Judith, stick with the acid dyes. And I wouldn't worry too much about the specific brands and what colors are best from what brand. It is all a matter of taste anyways. I would just get some dyes and start. That is the best way to learn.

[lauraann]

Procion makes acid dyes as well as their MX dyes for cottons. I think the acid ones are called Washfast, but I have no idea where to buy them in the UK.

[Shepherdess]

I have acid dyes for 3 different companies and I mix and match them.

[Leonor (of Eleanor Shadow)]

Thanks for input! When I mentioned Procion I was actually referring to their acid dyes, not reactive dyes - to be perfectly honest, I got curious because I saw someone's dyed yarn in that brand and it looked very nice, so I was wondering if any of you had tried it as well...

Another brand I saw was Chemtech, but I don't know anyone who has use them...

I'll have to postpone my purchase for a couple of weeks, I'm soon going on holiday and I'm afraid things might not arrive on time!

[Shepherdess]

artist supply stores seem to carry jacquard dyes. little bottles to be sure but if you wanted to wet your toe that may be where to try.

[Leonor (of Eleanor Shadow)]

Thanks, Ann! I'll be sure to look into Jacquard as soon as I return from holiday - it's actually something I'm postponing to keep me happy about returning to the busy life of London