Hello family, friends, and future friends! Thanks for your interest in checking out what I've been up to!~~ As I've been settling into tie dye, I have been using quality procion Dharma Dyes with a few Grateful Dyes in there as well. I'm learning by doing, so at this time, I want to express my procedures so that everyone is up to speed with what you are or will be purchasing! As far as colors, feel free to ask about color names and I would be happy to share. I am also sharing my information with others who are tie dying, so I am open to answering any questions!!!! The majority of what I am doing involves new items (t-shirts, face masks, shorts, tapestries (coming soon!!) ) I have found a few items from second-hand stores that are in good repair to use as well. Unless specified in the individual item's description, all dyed items are new. Preparing Blanks: -all items are washed in hot water with a small bit of dawn or [synthrapol (just received in the mail)]. Some people swear by synthrapol so I ordered it so that I can formulate my own opinion about it. -Sometimes I dry them, other times I put them straight into soda ash for at least 20 minutes (sometimes as much as a few days- makes no difference as long as it's at least 20 minutes). Soda ash works as a "dye fixer". It is vital to tie dye because makes a chemical reaction that allows the procion dye to bind with the organic material (cotton, hemp, rayon, etc -Spin dry in my ninja spin dryer until it reaches a light damp stage. -Fold and tie -Liquid dye following directions: 2-8 tsp per cup (depending on the color) I will show pictures of the baskets and cooling racks I use to make this work. -Let batch covered by plastic. I will batch for no less than 24 hours but as long as a few days, -Rinse after batching with cold water until it runs clear -Rinse with warm water until it runs clear -Rinse with hot water until it runs clear -Reveal videos: i.e. removing rubber bands, sinew or string and opening the piece up. -pictures to show difference in wet, dry, and washed -rinse thoroughly in sink with hot water until runs clear -put a few inches of hot water with blue Dawn in sink and soak, drain, fill and soak, drain. -Wring and wash with other fresh similar colored tie-dye items in washer with small amount Dawn or laundry detergent or synthrapol and a full size towel to catch any bleeding dye. -IMMEDIETELY hang dry (colors may run if left sitting) or dry in dryer. Please ask any questions you may have. My goal is to be transparent and show my mistakes so that others can learn. Thank you all. Constructive criticism is ALWAYS accepted!
Feel free to ask questions about the process, tie dyers and lookers alike!