I have added Greener Shades Dyes, the Starter Dye Kit, Color Cards and Citric Acid to my ArtFire shop. You can now purchase this wonderfully fun and easy to use system from Alba Ranch. Here are some simplified dye instructions:
Instructions
Like all acid dyes, Greener ShadesTM can be used following either a simplified procedure, or a more technical approach which monitors acidity, temperature, and using other chemical assists to achieve a uniform, repeatable result. Either approach will produce beautiful lightfast and washfast colors.
Instructions in PDF Form with color card
Simplified Procedure
1. Prewash yarn, fiber or fabric (goods). Any residual oils or coating will affect results.
2. In small container dissolve dye powder in hot water. The amount of dye in the 1/2 ounce packet is enough to dye 3 lbs of goods. Stir carefully until fully dissolved.
3. Fill large enamel or stainless pot about 2 gallons of warm water per pound of goods. Add soaked goods and dissolved dye. Fully blend by pushing down on goods in pot, squeezing with gloved hand, and/or gentle stirring.
4. Heat slowly until a vigorous steam develops. Periodically gently stir to prevent uneven heat distribution. Add 1/4 cup vinegar. Stir gently.
5. Bring to slow boil for 5 min. Check for exhausted water. (If water is not almost clear add another 1/4 cup vinegar, stir gently and check again.)
6. Turn off or remove from heat, allow to cool. Rinse and air dry.
Technical Procedure
0.5 oz of Greener ShadesTM dye will dye 3 lbs of goods a medium depth of shade. More should be used for darker shades, and less for lighter. Dyes themselves can be blended to achieve mixed colors.
Special Supplies:
Thermometer
pH measuring equipment, paper or meter
Goods Preparation: Goods can be pre-soaked in a buffering agent like sodium acetate to help maintain 4.5 ph, or Synthropol to help remove oils if needed.
Dye Bath Preparation: Circulate goods at 100°F for 15 min in pot containing about 2 gallons of water per lb of goods. Add pre-dissolved dye and continue to circulate for 10 min. Raise temperature slowly to 175°F and hold for 10 minutes. Check pH, add small increments of acid (Citric or Acetic) until pH measures 4.5. Raise temperature slowly to 205-210°F. When water is exhausted, remove from heat, cool, rinse until clear.
General
As with working with any chemical, caution should be taken to avoid unnecessary exposure. Greener ShadesTM are not intended for inhalation or ingestion. Supplies used for dyeing should not be re-introduced for food preparation.
You can visit Greener Shades FAQ page for more information. Or email me with any questions that you may have and I will do my best to answer them.
Fantastic information for those that wish to know what tests and certifications that Greener Shades has done. Go to their Page for more information. Alba Ranch will soon be added to their list of where to buy for the state of Colorado. Alba Ranch is a new distributor for Greener Shades Dyes.
Here are a few shots of the hand spun Cheviot and Angora yarns that I dyed last week using my own personal starter kit.
Look at that rainbow of the primary 9 colors. I also included a shot of the River Blue and it is brilliant. Now is that color fantastic or what? I think it just POOOOPPPPPSSS!!! I mean wow.
Tell me your thoughts, and let me know what you think of this new dye system. Order you own starter dye kit for only $35.00 and try them yourself.