Play With Dye Class - Supply List
We will explore dyeing and a little printing, using Procion dyes, Transfer dyes, and fabric printing inks. All of these are relatively safe and environmentally friendly.
Procion dyes will be shown using the Low Water Immersion method, and produces mottled fabrics suitable for all sewing purposes. Colours are fast after the first wash.
Please bring the following items with you. If you have a problem getting anything, please let me know in good time.
For Procion Dyeing:-
As much as you need, plus a bit more, 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.
You can also dye:- velvet, corduroy, threads (cotton, silk, hemp, linen, rayon); cotton lace; garments (if you must) and cotton tape/ribbon.
Some Large jam jars. (If you are local or attend my classes regularly, you may be able to borrow 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 as well. I find that big margarine tubs and oval ice-cream tubs are ideal for dyeing threads and lace as well as fabric. Please make sure they all have lids and that the labels are washed off. You will be taking the jars/containers home and washing out the fabrics after 24 to 72 hours, so the lids should be watertight.
For Transfer dyeing:-
Synthetic fabrics - organza, satin, plain polyester, nylon, Lutradur, Vilene, synthetic lace, net etc. etc. Shiny fabrics are nice when transfer dyed.
Fabrics are ready to use immediately, are colour-fast, and do not need further processing. Transfer dye papers can be taken home and used later.
For Printing:-any type of fabric can be printed..
Stout box to carry the above.
Strong rubber gloves (Marigolds) in your size. A spare pair is good!
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 /shibori effects with this method. If you would like to try this, I will provide rubber bands etc.
© Helen Howes 2008
£30.00 per person