Choosing the Right Dye Mix for Your Natural Fiber Crafts And Handspinning

In my opinion, the old saying, "you get what you paythe company direct 1-800-26-7847, they offer bulk
for" is not always true with dyes. I have tried morediscounts. I think the minimum is 24 packs, which will
expensive dyes by Gaywool, which averaged aboutbump you down to around $1.95 each, and that is the
$14 for a canister that claimed to dye 1-2 pounds. Ibeginning. Ask them for specifics because I know
have dyed several pounds and still have some left.there are larger discounts. You can search for dealers
However, the dye took a long time to set, and neveron the net and view the color chart, but so far I have
completely rinsed out. Yes, I followed the directions onnot found one that offers the discounts. Remember
the package. Since in this case, I dyed a wool battthat if you are a licensed business, which I am, you
before spinning, I even had dye rub off on my fingersqualify for "no tax". Now... details.. the colors are vivid at
while I spun.full strength... if you keep adding skiens or fiber roving
I have tried fabric dyes from a fabric store thatto pot during the dye process, you will get varying
claimed to dye natural fibers including cotton and wool.shades of the same color! This dye absorbs
These dyes were very inexpensive and I got them oncompletely into the fiber! When the dyebath is
sale for $1.99 a package that dyed 1 pound. In thisexhausted, you will know obviously because the water
instance again, hard to rinse out, took a long time towill be clear. No guesswork... no extensive rinsing. And
set. But much more than that, the color was notremember.... rinse at the same temperature as the
vibrant as I wanted, and the wool felt rough afterdyebath to avoid felting your fiber.
drying. I take pride in the softness of my wool, soThis is easier than it sounds..... just let it cool completely
needless to say, this was not acceptable. I have livedand rinse in cold water. Don't risk burning yourself or
and learned and now swear by W.CUSHING &felting that fabulous fiber. Remember to follow the
CO. acid dyes.directions on the package, as you will need to ad white
They come in a little packet that will dye 1 pound.... orvinegar. Don't think you can add cider vinegar in a
more.... I'll explain later.... The cost is very reasonable.pinch, it does not work! Then just experiment with the
Starting price is around $2.95 a packet, but if you calldyes. We'll talk more about techniques.