Rug Hooking and Everyday Life
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
To dye or not to dye?
Ok rug hookers, I need some advice. Every once in awhile I get the urge to learn to dye my own wool. You know when you start a project and can't find that "perfect" color wool in your stash? Frustrating!
So I have a few questions. I'm looking for those lovely primitive colours
What is your favourite dye book?
Do you dye in a big pot? Slow cooker?
Preference of spoons? Is there a difference?
What is the best type/brand of dye?
What else do I need?
I appreciate all your help
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I have a lot of dye books and use one, antique colors for hooked rugs by Emma lou and Barb Carroll. I find that I tend to make up my own colors more than use the books. I think a good book is the primary fusions book with swatches, I do have that too. It gives you recipes to make the colors and you learn how to dye yourself with the primary 3 colors so you have a lot of options with colors and shades.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I really like Gene Shepherd's Prepared to Dye book, and would highly recommend the video as well. Beyond that, I think it is really helpful to have dye swatches so you can choose a direction to go. Wool is really expensive, so it is nice to use the swatches as a guide, even if you are going to deviate. The primary fusion dye set is also a good way to jump in, without investing too much money in dye.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. Now I have Hamlet's speech stuck in my head...LOL I can't answer any dye questions, but am looking forward to your progress. Have a good night.
ReplyDeleteIt's late. I will give you my 2 cents tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteLauren
Just stopped by to say howdy, howdy! :) Don't know anything about the dye process, sorry.
ReplyDeleteHope what you decide to do works the way you want it too. I'm anxious to know what happens.
Take care, Janet W
*****well...after forty plus years of experience, you can write me anytime and I will walk your through the process. it's very simple...no drama. if you can cook...you can dye wool. and...you can dye wool in a mink coat...no kidding! tom
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see Lauren's 2 cents worth. Not only are there different dye books but different dyes. Most dye books give recipes for Cushing Dyes. I have several dye books. The one I used yesterday uses Cushing.
ReplyDeleteAnother book I love is Beautiful Wool by Laurice Heath. That book is wonderful because it provides recipes for both Cushing and Pro-Chem dyes. You get more bang for your buck with Pro-Chem than Cushing, btw.
In the Beautiful Wool book she shows pictures of the same recipe over grey, tan and other wool so it is a great book and one I use most.
Spoons ~ I do have the dye spoons but someone gave equivalent measurements using a cheaper version of metal spoon with 'pinch' and other terms on them. So that would be an alternate choice until you find out if you like dyeing.
I like using a slow cooker when I don't have time to watch the pot other wise I like dying on the stove top in a pot.
ReplyDeleteOne thing they suggest is to keep the pots only for dying.
I use Cushing dye which I order from W.Cushing & Company.
I have a set of dye spoons but you don't really need them. I paid $65. for my set and like Saundra said, you could use those tiny kitchen measuring spoon set . I have a set by Paderno and they are a smidgen, pinch and a dash.
I'm sure Deanne would be a great source of information for you.
We have lots of snow on the ground already.
Stay safe and warm.
Hugs,
JB
I have 3 different brands of dye. I like them all. However, if I were to start fresh I would only buy Pro-chem dyes because of the cost and ease of use. My favorite dye book is by Laura Wiles. I have many books, too, but I like the colors in this book best. Start by bleeding wool, or using onion skins, etc. Good luck and enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteI've only used Cushing dyes. I'm not too good at following a recipe, so I never know what I'll get. I have several dye books, but the only one I've used is the Barbara Carroll/Emma Lou Lais book. Wonderful, primitive colors.
ReplyDeleteHappy dyeing. It's fun, but can be time consuming.
Hugs :)
Lauren
I have the same Barbara carroll/ Emma Lou lais book and only use cushing when I do dye. I use a big pot sir if I want it even leave it if I want it mottled.
ReplyDeleteCathy
I learned directly from Barb and Emma Lou before they wrote their book...lucky me! I use their book and a few others...many recipes from Karen Kahle... I only use Cushing dyes because of my huge stash of them...tend to do variations on the book recipes...the less you stir the more mottled...I use large enamel pots...
ReplyDeleteOh so glad you are thinking about trying to learn to dye. If you can make cinnamon rolls, you can dye wool. It is so easy and one of the most rewarding things I have ever learned or am learning. All of the advice is wonderful that they have given you and those books they recommend are lovely too. Since no one mentioned Karen Kahles books Vintage Colors and The Dusty Little Dye book. She sells both on her Etsy store and the dyes that go with it. But for amazing colors Barb Carrolls book is a must just because it is so much fun. Once you dye that first batch, you will be so happy you tried it. I am so excited for you. Just like you told me when I started hooking, just have fun with it don't worry about perfection. I was so encouraged by that and I think that is what kept me hooking was those words. So have fun!
ReplyDeleteI like cushing dyes and Emma lou and Barb Carroll dye book.
ReplyDeleteI would say dive in ! It's fun and there is the unexpected results sometimes that you can't duplicate. Have fun. Cheri
I don't do my own dyeing but I find it so interesting. I love those vintage colors.
ReplyDeleteSince you always have a long winter too, we did this really cool thing the other day - snow dyeing. Super easy and you get two pieces of wool with amazing colors. Not the vintage colors you are after as they come out very abstract and cool. We used Magic Carpet dyes.