Dyeing silk

[LeftField]

Hi. I have a question. I followed the directions for Kool-Aid dyeing in the craft tutorial section. For 40 cents, I dyed enough carded wool to make two felted eggs. I was amazed at how easy it was and how gorgeous the colors were.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to Kool-Aid dye some silk squares. I figured we could tie them and do like a tie-dye. We'd use the silk squares for a nature table or just regular play. So now I'm wondering...where does one find uncolored silk by the yard? Does anyone know? TIA!

[Kari_mom]

Dharma sells silk yardage AND silk scarves at great prices. The scarves are nice because they have rolled hems and are all ready to go.

I think there is a co-op in the Co-op and Swap forum, if you are interested in the best discounts from Dharma.

[LeftField]

Thanks!!

Thank you, Kari!! That's a great site. Their Habotai silk, which is what I assume is the right playsilk stuff based on description, is really reasonable in price. I mean, it seems that you can find lots of gorgeous WAHM playsilks at a great price, all dyed wonderfully. But now I'm addicted to Kool-Aid dyeing. I don't know how to knit (yet), so dyeing wool yarn is out for now. I can dye more wool roving for felting, I suppose. When I looked at the FAQ in the Craft Tutorial section, silk seemed like the only feasible alternative for us to dye with Kool-Aid.

It was just so much fun. Plus, my 3yo is really into "experiments" these days, so it ends up being a quick and safe thing for him to participate in. My poor dh has to be aggravated by the amount of craft stuff that is floating around our house though. LOL. Plus, I have a tendency to start multiple projects for the fun novelty aspect and not follow through on all. We have bits of things everywhere. I'm addicted to crafting. There should be a help group for that.

Anyway, thanks again!!

[Kari_mom]

Yes, the 8mm china silks are ideal for playsilks though the other weights and weaves work too. I should have mentioned this last night, I was up in the middle of the night with the baby after spending the day in bed with a bug.

This is NOT the place to hang out if you want to manage a craft addiction! You can also use Kool-aid to tint and scent homemade playdough, another 3 yo friendly activity.

Don't be afraid to branch out to procion dyes for t-shirts and stuff. I find low water immersion techniques to be very manageable with a 3 yo and a baby. Not for them to do, exactly, but certainly for them to wear!

[~ATenthMuse~]

Just wondering if you dyed some silks yet? Or maybe you got in on the co-op and are still waiting? I can't believe I didn't think of doing this before it closed!
I went ahead and ordered 12 of the habotai silks from Dharma. Can't wait to dye them!

If you did yours or when, could you post some pics?