👍Practical Recommendations Before Starting...
Here are some simple tips to ensure your dyeing workshop is a success:
Use Proper and Clean Containers: The best options are stainless steel, glass, plastic, or enamel (as long as it’s not chipped). If you use iron or copper containers, remember that these can alter the dye color: iron darkens it, while copper brightens it.
Easier with Animal Fibers: If you have wool or silk, perfect! These fibers absorb colors better than plant-based fibers like cotton or linen (although cotton is the most practical and easy to find).
Dry in the Shade: After dyeing, dry your fabrics away from direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading—unless you want to experiment with drying in light versus shade to see how sunlight impacts the dye.
Follow Instructions: Read them carefully before you start to avoid surprises.
Take Notes: Record the weight of your fibers, the amount of dye you used, and save a dyed sample along with your notes. This will be incredibly helpful for future projects and for recreating your favorite colors.
Consider Water Quality: Soft water works best for dyeing and washing. If possible, use rainwater or distilled water.
No Synthetic Fibers: Natural dyes don’t work well on synthetic fibers.
Personal Protection: Wear a mask if you’re working with powders like indigo or bleach, and gloves to avoid skin irritation or stains.
Mix Carefully: When combining powders and water, always add the powder to the water—never the other way around!
Separate Utensils: The pots and tools you use for dyeing should not be used for cooking. Keep them separate to avoid accidents.
Label Everything: Clearly write what’s in each container to avoid confusing dyes or other products.
Store Chemicals Safely: Keep them away from food, preferably in a locked cabinet, and label them properly.
Test First: Always test on a small sample before committing to the entire project. This allows you to see the results and make adjustments if needed.
Data Logging
You can choose the format and design that you find most useful, but all dyeing logs should include at least these three basic parts:
Formula Table: This is where you should record all the technical specifications of the pigments you have worked with. Include the pigment name, the amount used, and any reactants (and their quantities) that were used to modify the color. It’s also important to note the type of fiber dyed, its weight, and the amount of mordant used in each case.
Procedure: Provide a step-by-step description of the process, including details such as the scientific name, origin, and the specific part of the pigment you used for dyeing. You can be as detailed as you wish; remember, the more details you include, the easier it will be to replicate the natural dyeing process later.
Samples: Each time you dye a fiber with natural pigments, you should save a small sample to observe the final result of the entire process recorded in your log. Catalog the samples in a logical order, ensuring you can link them to their respective formulas and procedures.
Preparation of the Workspace
The physical location where we will conduct the practice should be a spacious and well-lit area with tables and windows or good ventilation. Ideally, it should have three defined zones:
COLD ZONE: Equipped with a water supply for washing, rinsing, soaking, etc.
WARM ZONE: A space for the stove, whether wood-fired, gas, or kerosene.
COOL ZONE: An outdoor area for drying fabrics.
Basic Materials:
Food waste like onion skins, avocado pits, beetroot, and more.
White or light-colored fabrics made of natural fibers (remember, synthetic fabrics won’t work).
Large pots you no longer use.
Tape.
Precision scale or balance.
Measuring ruler.
Gloves.
Spoon or ladle for stirring.
Water.
Vinegar.
Strainers.
Transparent jars.
Paper and pencils for taking notes and recording colors.
Scissors.
Mortar (optional).
Stove.
Salt.
That's it! Follow these tips and have fun experimenting with natural colors. 🎨✨
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