Inspired to DYE

I was looking at Dave's website this morning and was soooo tempted to hand dye some yarn for fun. Had been wanting to do that for quite a while already, but was concerned about the mess that would be created. After looking at Dave's website, my curiosity couldn't stop me anymore.

I know that many people use Kool Aid but I find it very tedious cos you need to soak the yarn to prepare it, then u need lots of vinegar and hot water. I was very afraid that I would scald myself, topple the colors all over, or any of the freak accidents that might happen. This is what that has been stopping me from trying it.

I just got to know that we can get Dylon dyes here. And guess what? There's this cold water dye (instruction below), which means that I don't need to handle hot water! Isn't that easy? I can't wait to try it!!! My curiosity is burning inside me!! Maybe its time to knit another Clapotis??? Oh no, my mind is going crazy, thinking about the various color combinations.



Dylon Cold Water Dye Instructions
· Suitable fabrics: cotton, linen, viscose. Lighter shades on polyester/cotton mixes because polyester and other pure synthetics DO NOT pick up dye. Lighter results on wool and silk.
· 1 pack will dye up to 250g / 8oz dry weight fabric (125g / 4oz for A52 Black).

You will need:
· Cold Dye Fix 125g / 4oz of salt
· Rubber gloves
· Flat bottomed bowl

Instructions:
1. Weigh dry fabric. Wash fabric thoroughly even if new and leave damp.
2. Fill a flat bottomed bowl with enough cold water to cover article (do not use a bath or sink unless stainless steel, as it may stain).
3. Wearing rubber gloves, dissolve dye in 500ml/1 pint hottest tap water. Stir well and add to bowl.
4. Dissolve 125g/4oz salt and 1 sachet Cold Fix in hottest tap water, add to bowl. (For Black, use 250g/8oz salt and 2 sachets of Cold Fix).
5. Put in unfolded damp article. Dye for 1 hour (3 hours for Black). Agitate continually for first 10 minutes, then occasionally after that, keeping fabric submerged.
6. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear, then wash in hot water with usual washing detergent.
7. Dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Wash article separately for the first few washes to remove excess dye.

Special Instructions for Wool:
1. Hottest tap water must be used instead of cold in the dye bowl.
2. Use 375ml / 13fl.oz of vinegar instead of salt and cold fix.
3. Use warm water to rinse and wash after dyeing.

How to use Cold Water Dye on Wood:
1. Rub down to bare wood, removing previous coatings. Wipe clean with white spirit.
2. Wearing rubber gloves, dissolve dye in 500ml/1 pint of warm tap water.
3. Apply dye evenly using a brush, sponge or cloth working in the direction of the grain. Allow to dry.
4. For darker shades apply further coats of dye, allow drying thoroughly between coats.
5. Apply any clear wood varnish to seal the colour.