the thickener is used for direct dye application onto fabric - that way it's not a drippy mess all over the place.
mix the thickener well before hand, it looks gritty at first and then later it will look smooth. the thickener can last like a month.
also pick up a set of measuring spoon ranging from 1 TBS down to as small as 1/8 of a tsp, that would be great.
you can never let the utensil used for dyeing mix with the ones you use for food cooking.