The Learning Curve!

I suppose with a description like "serendipitous", surprises are to be expected. I worked on the ice-dyeing technique with a few different fabrics, like nylon and T-shirts. I had some yellow nylon that had been gathering dust, so I decided to overdye it with acid dyes using the basic ice-dye idea. Nylon is a fiber that must be handled differently than cottons or rayons. It requires a class of dyes and fixatives used for silk and wool, called acid dyes. Acid sounds scary, but I'm talking about vinegar, not sulfuric! I also knew that heat is required to set these dyes and make them permanent. I also know that nylon melts easily. Interesting parameters, to say the least!
I proceeded with one 15" x 25" piece of yellow and soaked it in vinegar. I loosely pleated it and placed it in a microwave safe container for the process. Again, ice cubes were spread over the top and then I sprinkled on the dye powders, and I waited until the next day. I thought the excess liquid would color the fabric into too much brown, so I carefully poured it off. I covered the container with plastic and nuked it. 2 minutes at high with a rest, than another 2 minutes. Somewhere during the last 2 minutes, I smelled the unmistakable odor of burnt nylon. Yikes! Not what I really wanted!

Plain Old Yellow!

Melted Nylon! 

Okay, I can see this will need to be rethought! Nylon's ability to dry quickly has to be brought into the formula. So, I started again. 4 pieces of nylon and new ideas. I still used the vinegar soak, the ice, and the powdered acid dyes. I let it all soak overnight. When the time came to set the dye (nuke it), I tried different power settings on the microwave and different lengths of time. I also made sure there was enough fluid to keep the nylon from burning.

Hey! It worked! In the end I discovered that 2 minutes at high power, a rest, followed by another 2 minutes was needed. To combat the drying problem, I did not drain the excess dye and I added about a quarter cup of water/vinegar solution to the fabric before nuking. I think these will make some cool mini-backpacks!
I tried the technique with a t-shirt and it worked well, no big surprises. I used turquoise, golden yellow and black procion dyes.

Yes, Tay, turquoise is a great color!

I also used a couple of the silk/cottons I dyed in my initial experiment to make myself a couple fancy t-shirts. I dyed  a solid pink for the back, and a solid midnight blue for the other piece.

Now, I need some new shorts!

Serendipitous Fabric Dyeing

This style of dyeing requires an adventurous attitude. The results are completely random. Dye powders break down into their components and create one of a kind fabric. I have been exploring the myriad of methods to color fabric for 23 years, and it seems I learn something new every time! I use Procion MX dyes. They work. They are of professional quality.

The first method for fabric dyeing that I learned and practiced was immersion dyeing. This is where the fabric or garment is submerged in solution and creates an evenly colored end product. It is based on chemistry and math so your colors can be duplicated with complete accuracy. When the project calls for precision, this is the way to go. It's an important tool in your kit! 

Low-water immersion dyeing is a staple of mine. Just like the name says, less water is used and the results are controlled; to a degree. You get lots of cool surprises! Different hues and values, all in the same piece of fabric. The dyeing I did recently is called "Ice" dyeing, and it is closely related to low-water. 

Here's how it went:

Saturday. I tore the quilt cotton into fat halves, for a total of 4 yards. The fabric is soaked in the fixative, soda ash, for a minimum of 15 minutes, to a max of 30 minutes.

Cotton: Ready for Dyeing

Dyes, Spoons, Rags and Gloves

Fabric in the Soda Soak

I picked up an armful of dyes, plastic tubs, spoons and rubber gloves and started in. I removed the fabric one piece at a time and wrung it out over the soda ash bucket. I then shaped, twisted, scrunched and pleated. The fabric is placed in the dye pot (the plastic tub). Layer ice cubes on top, having an ice machine is real handy! Lastly, sprinkle the dye powder over the ice and fabric. Keep adding layers until there is no more room. I put 2 layers in my small container, and 6 layers in the tub. Now I have to wait until tomorrow to wash them out and view the surprises the fabric and dyes created!

Layer One

Filled to the Brim

The Magic Begins

Sunday. From the outside of the container, it looks like a lot of browns and blacks. I'm so excited to see! As I take the fabric out and rinse it, each piece becomes my new favorite! The colors are vibrant, with oodles of nuances. One looks like a person skilled with watercolors painted a floral pattern. Others are reminiscent of tie-dye folds. All are stunning! I think I have a new favorite technique for dyeing!

These are a few of the pieces, if you would like to see more click on the "Gallery" tab.

Aren't they just gorgeous?! I think I will try this on my next bike jersey or maybe a t-shirt!