Bag Gallery

Monday, 20 August 2012

My Attempt At Dyeing

Its .been quite some time since I last dyed fabric and at that time I had no problem with excess dye however I now live in the middle of nowhere with a septic tank system so had to dye MY way. These are the results of my efforts.
The first batch was dyed  with transfer dyes and ice and came out pale but usable.
The second batch I used Dylon dyes and they were sdtronger in colour, I also over dyed  with red, yellow, blue and orange.I like what happened and over all I am pleased with the results.I like the "accidental" way of dyeing as I only want a small ammount to use and do not need to repeat  colours.
My next plan is to use Procion dyes and the exhaust method thus reducing the need tlike to wash away excess dye.



Please leave feedback if you can as I like to hear what others think and how I can improve.
Thank You
Janette
Posted by at

12 comments:

  1. Nina Marie20 August 2012 at 05:56

    are you using any soda ash? prewashing - even pfd and that really made a difference in my dyeing. Also this year I did a bunch of dyeing that I put the dyes over each other instead of over dyeing in a second round - those results came out interesting!! I've only been dying 3 years and with every new round I find more things that work for me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. janettestitches20 August 2012 at 07:56

      Thank you Nina I did not use any of the above as it spur of themoment however it was fun and I will be more organised next time.
      Take care
      Janette

      Delete
  2. Judy Ferguson20 August 2012 at 07:47

    I have done a fair amount of dyeing, but I find that there is no good or bad. I need all types of patterns and shades. I need brights and pastels, solids and marbled. I even paint on fabric and use the clean up rag sometimes. I just love having so many choices when I work. Just have fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. janettestitches20 August 2012 at 07:59

      Thank you for looking Judy, this was very spur of themoment so I did not use all the required/correct tools etc. but I did have fun and will be dyeing again.
      Take Care
      Janette

      Delete
  3. Linda Steele20 August 2012 at 13:58

    I was told that it was fine to use Procion dyes with a septic tank, especially as so much water goes down with it in the rinsing process.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. janettestitches21 August 2012 at 05:42

      Thank you so much for looking and your advice I think I er on the side of caution maybe I should be braver and jump in.
      Take care
      Janette

      Delete
  4. Sheila Frampton-Cooper20 August 2012 at 14:07

    Hi Janette...

    As Judy mentioned, I feel it really depends on what results you are trying to get, because of course, all sorts of textures and color intensity are useful in a diverse composition.

    I do a LOT of dyeing, and I use Procion. I like rich, deep, saturated color, but I also like washes and enjoy using soywax and discharging. I would definitely suggest using soda ash and pfd fabric when you go down that road. Fabric is very expensive, and you will get much brighter color when you are using the proper chemicals.

    One thing I suggest is that when you are rinsing out your fabrics, let it soak for a while before changing the water. Much more dye comes out when you do that as apposed to just going through the process quickly. It take me a long time to rinse out my fabric properly.

    Start with a cold water rinse until it's pretty clear, then go to warm, and then the last rinse should be hot and that's when you want to use the Synthrapol detergent.

    Here's a blog from last summer when I spent a few months dyeing fabric.

    http://zoombaby.com/blog/2011/9/20/two-months-of-dyeing-fabric.html

    Have fun experimenting!

    -sheila

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. janettestitches21 August 2012 at 05:48

      Thank you Sheila, You certainly have given me lots of information and I really do appreciate your help.I have taken note of the blog you suggested and will be a frequent visitor.Living where we do means no fabric shops so that is why I have decided to try dyeing more, I did dye years ago as part of my City and Guilds in P&Q.Thank you again
      Janette

      Delete
  5. Kathy20 August 2012 at 14:09

    I used to live with a septic system and dyed often. I never had any issues with the system, but I also did a lot of my initial rinsing out in the yard. The grass and flowers didn't care at all if they got a little pink or blue water on them! I think you can dye fearlessly, but those MX dyes really need the soda ash to work! Have fun with it...but the more you do, the more you'll want to do!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. janettestitches21 August 2012 at 05:51

      Thank you Kathy, I can see how this would be addictive, I did rinse with the garden hose anto the stones on our drive so I did something the proper way atleast.
      Take Care
      Janette

      Delete
  6. Peggi Yac20 August 2012 at 18:40

    Dyeing fabric is lots of fun and always a surprise! Do buy fabric that is PFD- prepared for dyeing- so it doesn't have finishing solutions on it. Do use soda ash to help set the dyes. If you get fabric that is mercerized, your colors will also be more vivid. There are some good books to help you figure it all out. I like Fabric Dyers Dictionary by Lynda Johannsen and Fabric to Dye For by Frieda Anderson.
    Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. janettestitches21 August 2012 at 05:56

      Peggi, You are quite correct it is LOTS of fun but I did get some funny looks when I went to the super market with purple fingers!!!!! yep, I forgot to wear gloves I was so excited to get the fabric dyed and dry.Thank goodnes for the internet because I need to order recomended bits and bobs.Thank you again for your help.
      Take Care
      Janette

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)