Dyed Cotton Threads and Fabrics

[MTRuth]

I started my Level II Hand and Machine Stitch class last week and for the first 2 1/2 days we dyed with Procion MX dyes. I dyed a wide range of cotton threads in a variety of sizes as well as cotton and linen fabrics. You can go to my blog for more photos.

[karen]

Wow Ruth awesome colors, i think i'd be in heaven there xo

[Shepherdess]

great colours....off I go to your blog

[MTRuth]

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.

[zed]

Looks like fun!

[koffipot]

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'.

[MTRuth]

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.

[Judith]

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

[MTRuth]

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

[Judith]

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.

[MTRuth]

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.

[Shepherdess]

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.

[lindsay]

The class looks like super fun, Ruth, & your dyed supplies are great. 5 days of group fibre does genuinely sound blissful.

[Judith]

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?

[MTRuth]

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.