Sunday 5 February 2012

Let It Snow-Dye

Today I awoke to the pile of snow that was forecast, about 6", the poor birds must have chilly tummies from walking through the snow.
I decided to give snow-dyeing a try.  I've never done it before but have seen some interesting results.  I had a quick Google and found some tutorials, I used this straightforward one from Lucy.  I also read this more detailed one from Prochemical & Dye.
My amazing DH found some soda ash in the garage - I think he has everything one could possibly want in the garage, just not always sure where exactly.
The fabric soaked in the soda ash (1/3 cup), salt (1/2 cup) and hot water bath for half an hour.  Then I packed it in plastic boxes with snow and the fun part began.
I used Procion dyes, in powder form, and sat the concoctions on the woodburner the let the snow melt and the magic happen.
 While I was using the kitchen as a dye-house I unwrapped my steamed poinsettia:
Hmmm, another sludgy brown piece, the red that seemed to be seeping through has vanished.  Never mind, onward and upward!
As the snow melted I wondered whether I should start draining the pieces, or they would end up with everything the same colour.  I noticed from various blogs that some people dye on a grid or mesh or slope their containers so I imagine this is for that reason.
This piece was not drained and so all the dyes have mixed, quite a nice orange though!  The others were similar so I tried dyeing them again, this time on a wire cooling tray.
 When the snow had melted I rinsed my pieces of fabric and, tah-dah:

Not bad for a first attempt.  I think I should have scrunched or tied the fabric more tightly maybe and definitely the wire grid is the way to go.  I also think I could have left it outside to get the fabric and dye really cold rather than rushing the process.  More playing another day I think and I can certainly see myself using these pieces for a little project.


8 comments:

  1. What a good result for first time. I am also thinking of trying dying.Had no idea snow could be used.

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  2. How fun to use snow! It ain't just for skiing anymore.
    Hugs!

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  3. I've been snow dyeing today too Lis but haven't washed mine out yet, apart from a couple of pieces of silk noil that I tried for the first time. I find that it is definitely best to put the fabric on a rack so that it doesn't sit in the dye as the snow melts. You have got some beautiful colour blends here and I bet you had fun :-) You'll probably be surprised again if you iron the fabric as that reveal all the beautiful marks. If we get any more snow this year I would try letting the snow melt naturally rather than heating it on the stove so that it has time to wick through the fabric and make patterns. Having said that I do tend to bring the bowls into the conservatory if it's a very cold day but I don't bring it into the warm house until the bulk of the dye has struck.

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  4. Never heard of snow dyeing until now... guess that's because we rarely get snow... Lol I think your results are great though

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  5. Didn't know you could dye with snow. Hubby has just been watching some of the Premier matches with glee as he sits in his shorts with a beer! We definitely don't miss the winter weather. Hope A is feeling better after his op. Hugs!

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  6. Good job Lis, you are a woman of my heart. Make the most of the environment around you, that what I do with our eucalyptus leaves! I love the results Lis, imagine combining them with indigo fabric. Cynthia and I used to dyed lots with Procion powder. It's fun isn't it? I like the piece with poinsettia too, a true eco-dyed piece - Hugs Nat

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  7. I bought some dyes and other necessities, but haven't used them yet. If we get some snow, maybe I'll give it a try.

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  8. What an amazing way to dye, my fingers are burning for the need to put stitches on your cloth!

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I really appreciate your lovely comments, ideas and opinions, they make my day. Thank you for visiting Piece'n'Peace,
hugs, Lis x