PurplePassion

Can you just mix a small amount of dye., to do like 1/4 yd of fabric? or do you need to do a large size?

fabric_fancy

all of the fabrics in those pics are a FQ done in a single color and i only mixed enough dye to color that single FQ.

when you do a large color wheel like i did you'll mix up a larger amount of the primary colors (blue, red, yellow) and then just combine them to make that one single color.

so you might start with a 1/2 cup of the 3 colors (red, blue, yellow) and then you just put a teaspoon or two to make that shade.

the recipes from the book are given for a FQ or a yard. i have doubled and tripled the recipe when i wanted to dye 2 or 3 yards of the same color.

ckcowl

fabric dyeing is just about my favorite past time! :)
i usually use procion dyes from Dharma Trading company, but have had some fun and good outcomes from good old rit dye.
it is one of those activities that some people really jump into and love doing (like me) and then there are people who do not like the process at all and prefer to purchase their fabrics. if you want to just try it out Dharma sells some really good beginner kits...you can even get a batiking kit and learn to make batiks. it is a good way to try it out without a huge investment. one of our local quilt shops offer classes frequently dying fabrics, thats another way to try it out if you can find a class near you. there are so many different dyeing techniques, i never tire of dyeing my own fabrics! :)

scowlkat

Just a word of caution - I love to dye fabrics but am not able to mix the dyes due to having asthma. Dharma folks said it was not safe even if I wore a respirator mask. Solution-found some ladies locally who like to hold classes and they have the dyes premixed for everyone along with the soda ash. So I always have fabric ready and when they notify me they are holding a class, I pay the fee, skip the classroom (with their permission) and head straight to the dying room! Wonderful for me. So suggestion is that if you have a respiratory problem, maybe you can find someone to mix the dyes for you!

DebraK

yes, the dyes and fixatives are fine particles. lucky for you to find a way to enjoy the creativity. My husband works in safety and provides me with masks.

Elliotsgreatgrandma

Your fabrics are beautiful. What do you use to mix the dye in should it be glass. Then what container do you use to put the fabric and dye into together. I guess you can tell how excited I am and now you have doubled that since I have seen your fabric.

I went ahead and ordered the dye but will have to wait until next week to order the fabric but I love the price.

Thank you again for your help.

Now I have something to get addicted to.
Gail

DebraK

glass works best. I save jars. I use big plastic buckets to soak my fabrics in the soda ash solution.

fabric_fancy

i mix the dye concentrate and soda ash in jars that i saved too (baby jars, jelly jars, etc).

then i dye FQs in zip lock bags.

if i'm dyeing 1-3 yards i use a wallpaper tray that people use to wet the wall paper before putting it on the wall. you could use planter boxes too just make sure they don't have drainage holes in the bottom.

if i'm dyeing 3-6 yards i use the big buckets that my clumping cat litter came in.

if i'm doing a multi colored mottled fabric i put the dye solution into squeeze bottles and do a direct application to the fabric instead of a dye bath.

fabric_fancy

price was a big factor to me, i would say it cost me $8-9 to make those 24 FQs and they would have cost $50 in the store.

then the next biggest factor why i wanted to learn to dye, ease - i never have to run around town looking for the right colors for a project.

Elliotsgreatgrandma

Great I have all of those containers already. Now I just have to wait for it all to arrive. I already have some white material on hand so I will use it for trial and error. I also ordered the pre wash treatment, gloves, soda ash, and sodiumalginate thickener for cotton. What is this last ingredient?