Dye Class - Supply List
We will be making a Rainbow set of colours, by mixing and combining colours, and dyeing in jam jars. We will use Procion dyes, which are relatively safe and environmentally friendly.
This is the Low Water Immersion method, and produces mottled fabrics suitable for all sewing purposes. Colours are fast after the first wash.
If you wish to make a gradation (dark to light in one colour of dye), this is also possible. You will be able to make 2 colour gradations (say, purples, or red-to-yellow).
If you wish to do this, please bring 1 extra jar and an extra 1/2 metre of fabric.
Please bring the following items with you. If you have a problem getting anything, please let me know in good time.
7 1/2 metres of good quality 100% cotton fabric. Use 100% cotton without a permanent finish. Use good quality cloth or you will have expensively dyed cheap fabric. Always pre-wash with a non-bio detergent, (I use Ecover) even if it is PFD (Prepared for Dyeing) as the results are better. (I use good quality second-hand sheets a lot. Make sure they are sound and 100% cotton if you want to do this.) You may also wish to bring some small oddments of printed fabrics, to see what happens when you put them into a dyebath.
15 Large jam jars.
I use 2lb jars, but 1lb jars will do, you just get to dye smaller pieces. If you bring 1lb jars, bring more of them. Large coffee jars, preserving jars etc are fine. (Bigger jars are fine)
Plastic containers will do at a pinch. Please make sure they all have lids and that the labels are washed off. You will be taking the jars home and washing out the fabrics after 24 to 72 hours, so the lids should be watertight.
Stout box to carry the above.
Strong rubber gloves (Marigolds) in your size. A spare pair is good!
Measuring jug. A cheap plastic 2 pint jug is ideal.
You will not be able to use these afterwards for food...
Old clothes in dark colours! Please do not come in your Sunday best. Dyes can stain your underwear too!
I will provide all the dyes and chemicals you will need, and we will discuss health-and-safety and uses for the fabrics you have made.
If you wish, you can do tie-dyed effects with this method. If you would like to try this, I will provide rubber bands etc.
© Helen Howes 2004
£50.00 per person