These aren’t the greatest images, but you will get the idea. The Pro Chemical method (add dye then activator - little agitation) is on the left. My method (add dye and soda ash together - smoosh) is on the right.
Different results from different methods. Why? It’s the timing of adding the soda ash/activator. The Pro Chemical method is letting the fibers react with the dye for a while before ’setting’. My method throws everything at the fibers at once.
[This is one of the reasons I do not use premixed colors. I mix my own from pure dyes. With the exception of Chinese Red (Dharma)/Strongest Red (Pro Chemical) which is supposed to be a standard mix. I say supposedly, because it is not always the case.]
So which is THE CORRECT METHOD ? ? ? Either one. If you browse books on dyeing, you will see many methods of dyeing. It depends on the results you want. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s their way or the highway.
[I go through, what some would call unnecessary, extra steps when doing appliqué. Too bad. I am not forcing you to do it my way.]
Buy a lot of inexpensive muslin. Experiment. Keep a notebook of your tests and methods. Re-dye the ‘uglies’. HAVE FUN!
Posted under Dye Class
Posted by Janet on February 1, 2009