Animal fibers are dyed with acid dyes, a term that may sound scary to beginners, who imagine that the dyes themselves are caustic strong acids. In fact, the dyes are non-caustic, are often non-toxic, and are named for the mild acid (such as vinegar) used in the dyeing process, and for the types of bonds they form to the fiber. Acid dyes are used to dye animal or protein fibers such as wool, mohair, alpaca, cashmere and silk. We will prepare our fiber - which can be fleece, roving or yarn - by soaking it in a vinegar bath, prepare the dye by dissolving powder in hot water, apply dye to the fiber and then let the magic happen. Three different techniques will be explored: immersion dyeing, painting, and crockpot dyeing.
Students should bring: a rectangular plastic tub (the grey ones used for bussing tables are ideal), an old sheet we can tear up (for layering between your wet sheets of paper), odds and ends of colored paper, tissue paper and junk mail, any flower petals or seeds you have around the house, a favorite cookie cutter or two for laminating shapes.
Materials Fee : 5 dollars: for citric acid. Fleece, roving or yarn may be purchased from the instructor by prior arrangement
Level: Beginner
Registration: Members $38 (23% discount), Non-members $46 (23% discount)
Instructor: Judi Jetson
What to bring/how to dress: fleece, roving or yarn to dye, plastic ziplock bags to take fiber home in, gloves, apron.
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