Dyeing help

[Pinoikoi]

I have never posted on this forum, but some of you may know me from "diapering". Anyway, I am starting to think I would like to try dyeing...

I have lots of white and unbleached prefolds, and I also have some cotton nikky's I have been considering. I don't like tyedye, but vibrant colors or even soft colors would be nice. Someone mentioned kool aid, how does that work? Any other ideas. I assume I should sun out anything on my prefolds first, any other required steps? Thanks.

[LuvMy2Kidz]

You'll need procion or fiber reactive dyes for cotton,kool-aid won't do it. Go to www.dharmatrading.com for dyes

[ma2maya]

Yep, Dharma is probably the best and easiest place to get your procion dyes. Other things needed for dyeing like soda ash can be purchased at a pool store where it is marketed as Ph-Up. Get some gloves to protect your hands from becoming whatever color dye you are using at the time. Old 5 gallon paint buckets are useful if doing a larger batch. smaller containers like a large yogurt container are good for smaller projects. Anyways...

A great sight to get you started on dyeing is http://www.pburch.net/dyeing.shtml
She has great info on techniques and also on the chemistry of dyeing.

Have Fun!
Kathy

[Colorful~Mama]

nods nods
I do tiedye on silk now, but i used to dye clothing and diapers - i always liked the softer, more muted colors. You do need to use the procion dyes, but sometimes you can find them locally at an art supply store to save you shipping if you're just checking it out and aren't sure what colors you'd like. The advise you got on ph-up and gloves is absolutely right on too

have fun

[ma_Donna]

Gretchen- I was thinking about dyeing some prefolds, too. I know one of the women that runs Color Creek Fiber Art - maybe when I get back in to town we can go and see their place - they'd have everything set up already and I think it would be easier than trying to do it ourselves (not that it's THAT hard).

Funny, I'm just looking up resources to dye some playsilks this weekend

Take care!!

[poisonedapple]

I just did this earlier this week dyed a bunch of prefolds, I bought Dylon dye at walmart, its a 2 bucks a packet, and dyes A LOT of prefolds. Gorgeous coloring too, I did blue and green and I LOVE them!

[Pinoikoi]

Actually, I got that same kind of dye at Joann Fabrics for a little less. I did violet, lime, turquoise, and sunflower. They came out beautifully! Ma_Donna, I almost did the preemie prefolds you lent me, but then I wasn't sure if you would like those colors or not, so I didn't- maybe I should have though!

[ma_Donna]

Would have been fine, but glad you had fun!
You must show them off when I get back!!
My playsilks were fun & a big hit!