Yes, procion dyes are fiber reactive dyes that will not fade like RIT. YOu can purchase them from dharma trading (the link the other poster gave) but you can also find fiber reactive dyes at some larger art supply stores.
To use procion dyes you need to wash your items first (most dyers use synthropol a textile detergent but you can use regular detergent if you make sure they're rinsed well), then soak them in soda ash fixer - that is what sets the dye. The procion dyes are powder and you mix them with water. Some ppl use different things depending on what kind of water you have and what effects/styles you're using - urea is commonly used for example. Sodium algenate is a dye thickener. etc.
after u've and soaked the item, squeeze out the excess it so its just damp. Then I tie, wrap and fold.
I use squirt bottles for tiedyeing. I mix the dye,water and urea then use the squirt bottles to apply the dye to the fabric. If you're tiedyeing and not vat dyeing you can use plastic bags to wrap the items so they can set over night. Untie in the morning and rinse till the water run clears before washing in the machine.
good luck and have fun. If you're not sure what you really want to do - you might just pick up a tiedye kit at your local craft store (or even walfart if you dont' boycott them) and give that a shot since they give you soda ash and premixed squirt bottles of dye/urea.
I loved the dharma link, and I sooooo appreciate all the advice and information, colorfulmama! Thanks!!
