i do it all the time! i purchase my dyes from Dharma Trading Company
prewash the fabric with detergent---no fabric softener---soak it in soda ash (follow the instructions for the dye being used) Dharma has very good instructions
2 books *you may be able to find at a library or somewhere like that*
that are very informative- good to have are:
the Dyer's Dictionary and
Fabric to Dye For
I use my own dyed fabric pretty much in every quilt i make and quite often start with a fabric that started out something else-
i have dyed yellow star fabric bright pink-
i have dyed batiks other colors---i love playing with color
dyeing fabrics is not difficult- i use a 5=gallon bucket for my soda ash & my dye solution when dyeing very large pieces- then my washing machine- (and no-it does not stain your washing machine)
visit Dharma's website & read - they tell you what you need & how to go about it- and carry everything you need to have wonderful results ( i have on occassion dyed with plain ole rit dye from the grocery store- the color never really comes out (vibrant) it is more muted- i've not been so happy with the outcome.