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I have recently started to dye fabrics for my own use quilt making.
I started here; http://fabricdyeing101.blogspot.com/2007/03/faqs-frequently-...
The author of that Blog really goes into detail about all sorts of questions.
If anyone has any experience with these dyes I would welcome their constructive comments.
I started with an Egyption 100% Cotton 250 threadcount twin flat sheet.
After removing the small cording and all stiches along sides and had a nice piece of fabric. I should have removed the threads before I washed the sheets to remove sizing.
I carefully desolved 1 cup of Soda Ash, aka, washing soda in 1 gallon of hot tap water.
I tore a 35" x 66" piece and put it in the soda wash bath to soak the soda ash up.
That's different than the other instructions I have ever read but keeps you from throwing out good and expensive soda ash.
This author also says she has prepared thousands of yards this way.
My next step will be trying to mix some dye concentrate.
Hopefully I can do some gradiation of one color.
I will post some pictures as I go along.
Does anyone have any examples to show me?
Sidney
Sorry that no one has answered your post sugarweed.
I used procion dyes extensively about a decade ago, but haven't done much dyeing recently. I like the colours that procion dyes produce.
The folks at Dharma Trading Company are usually very helpful. Have you chatted with them about the use of the dyes?
Well I'm seeing red, on a few of my fingers, that is.
I got first the little jars of Jacqard Procion MX Dye. Then I found 8oz and 16oz jars for about 1/3rd the cost per oz as I paid for the first one. Now I can't seem to find where they were sold by bulk. I still have plenty, but wanted to add a color or two.
I was lucky to find mixing recipes on that site above. Those however are for dyeing fat quarters which I have no use for in my puposes. I am soaking my fabric in soda ash and then dyeing it while still wet. So far I'm really tickled with the results.
As to not break a spell, I'll wait until I've got something finished to post any photos.
Thanks for your advice. I'll see if I can find that book at the library.
Sidney
