Other dyes for wool?

[buckeyebabies]

I jost got some natural interlock wool 97% from a co-op. I want to dye it, but do not want to use Kool-aid. I know Dharma makes acid dyes that require heat. Won't this felt my wool further than it already is??

[ma2maya]

Just putting your wool in hot water won't felt it. What would felt it would be agitating a lot while it is wet, which causes the fibers to rub closer together and interlock(ha, ha yours already is...sorry...interlock...ha,ha!) Anyways...as long as you are careful when you stir the dye bath and are careful when you rinse the fabric when you rinse you will be fine.

Kathy

[UnskulinMama]

I've heard easter egg dyes work too, and they'd be really cheap right now... Don't know if you'd avoid those for the same reason you don't want to use koolaid though.

[earthhugmama]

Kool-aid and easter egg dyes are based on food coloring. You could just go to the grocery store and buy some food coloring and have a go at dyeing your wool as per the kool-aid dyeing method.

May I ask, are you averse to using Kool-aid for some reason, or are you just wanting to try out different dyeing methods on wool?

[buckeyebabies]

1. wantin' to try new dyes
2. I think KA fades in the sun and over time.

[Kari_mom]

You can use procion MX dyes for wool, not just cotton. The technique requires heat and vinegar and the colors will not always come out the same as they do for cotton, but it is nice to be able to use the same stock of dyes for both types of fiber (as well as silk).

[ma2maya]

Originally Posted by buckeyebabies

1. wantin' to try new dyes

2. I think KA fades in the sun and over time.

Anything will fade in the sun, even procion dyes, though they are more fade resistant than many others.

Kathy

[Kari_mom]

Kathy, I think it is so nice of you to run through Diaper-Making and answer all the dyeing questions! I've learned so much from you!

[ma2maya]

Aww Shucks

Kathy