V- Beginning Dyeing - Animal Fibers with Acid Dye

Acid dyes may sound scary to beginners, who imagine that the dyes themselves are caustic strong acids. In fact, the dyes are non-caustic, are sometimes 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. ProChem, Jacquard and Dharma are common companies that sell these dyes, which are also sold at EarthGuild in downtown Asheville. We will prepare our fiber - which can be fleece, roving or yarn - by soaking in a vinegar bath, prepare the dye by dissolving powder in hot water, apply dye to the fiber and then let the magic happen.

Level: Beginning

Materials Fee: $15 (Sign up by 1/6/21 to have materials shipped)

Materials you'll need:  citric acid, 3 colors of dye (0.5 oz each). 

Students should bring: Fleece, roving or yarn to dye, thick plastic for covering table top, gloves, apron, saran wrap, stainless steel pot (not for food), stainless steel steamer, crockpot, measuring spoons, stir sticks, empty yogurt cups (or something similar) for mixing dyes.

Registration: Members $22, Non-members $27

Instructor: Judi Jetson