Sorry to bring this up again.

I have several playsilks that I got from ThaiSilks that I want to dye for Xmas. I have several packets of Cushing Acid Dyes that I was thinking of using. Has anyone used this? I was hoping to do a striped or spiral or some kind of interesting pattern on it, but I'm not sure this dye would work for this.

And what about Kool Aid? Should I just use that?

Wilton paste dyes! + water, vinegar, and microwave. Cushing should work too, but be sure to read the instructions for mixing.

To make a spiral, grab center, pull into a cylinder, and twist. [like you would to poke a tissue into your ear :Puke ]

For stripes, roll up and apply rubber bands.

So after I have my rubber band in place, do I just pour the dye over it?

I am so clueless about how to do this. :( Does anyone have a site with step-by-step instructions? I have a bunch of this cushing dye that I would like to use up, too. I'm kind of scared to wreck my silks. :innocent:

I got my silks today so I'm looking for how-to's on dyeing as well.

found this: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=140047

How much are just the playsilks plain and where can I get them..
I have wanted some and cant afford to buy new.

You can buy white silks and dying supplies here: http://www.dharmatrading.com/

Here's how I do it...
Bundle, twist, tie the silks however you want. Soak in a soda ash solution (although I think you can get away with skipping this step--the colors just might be less vibrant or colorfast) Lay silk on a few layers of paper towels on top of a crappy old waterproof tablecloth. Use squrt bottles to apply dye (I use Procion fiber-reactive dye). Silk doesn't need much since it is so thin and not very absorbant. Wrap wet silk in plastic and leave overnight. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Machine wash with Synthrapol. Hang to dry.

There are probably better ways; I just did it the same way I tie-dye cotton and they turn out great! And they are dd's favorite toys. :)

You can buy white silks and dying supplies here: http://www.dharmatrading.com/

Here's how I do it...
Bundle, twist, tie the silks however you want. Soak in a soda ash solution (although I think you can get away with skipping this step--the colors just might be less vibrant or colorfast) Lay silk on a few layers of paper towels on top of a crappy old waterproof tablecloth. Use squrt bottles to apply dye (I use Procion fiber-reactive dye). Silk doesn't need much since it is so thin and not very absorbant. Wrap wet silk in plastic and leave overnight. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Machine wash with Synthrapol. Hang to dry.

There are probably better ways; I just did it the same way I tie-dye cotton and they turn out great! And they are dd's favorite toys. :)
For silk (and other protien fibers like wool) acid dyes are much easier. You just need water vinegar and your dye stuff (koolaid, wiltons foodcolor, old easter egg dye you have left over, juices, beets, etc.)

How much are just the playsilks plain and where can I get them..
I have wanted some and cant afford to buy new.

There is a thread in "Toys"about this:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=524156

I ordered china silk scarves from dharma. They were about 2.50 each and dyed them with kool aid or cake colors.