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leftpaw
Warming Up
USA
95 Posts |
 Posted - 12/05/2006 : 11:41:22 AM
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So far I've only dyed yarn with Kool-Aid and food coloring but I'm thinking of trying an acid dye. Does anyone know if the dye color evaporates completely into the yarn in the dyeing process when using acid dyes? (the way it does with Kool-Aid and food coloring).
I'm a little bit worried about working with acid dyes in my kitchen - both because the color is supposed to be so potent that it can stain countertops, etc, and because these dyes seem to be some what toxic. If anyone has any general advice or knows of a good primer please let me know.
Thanks! |
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laparente@yahoo.com
Chatty Knitter
246 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2006 : 2:46:12 PM
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I used acid dyes on silk. If you measure correctly (not use too much dye) then it will all go into the yarn.
I got all the info I needed from Pro Chem & Dye.
I never used Kool-aid, but I was very happy with the acid dyes. I was able to get very vivid colors, or really, any color I wanted.
Go for it! Really, if you use caution, expecially when the dye is in powdered form, I'm sure you will be fine. Of course, never use anything for both food and dye -- get pots just for dye, spoons, etc. Oh, and you can get a portable electric burner, so you won't have to use your cooking range. |
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kdcrowley
Permanent Resident
USA
4773 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2006 : 4:00:17 PM
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Yes, you can expect for the dye to exhaust and One shot dyes are less toxic than the rest (I laughed when i saw the warning about the salt in Country Classics....gotta watch that salt!).
I would say that you want to get the dyeing out of the kitchen anyway even though many of us do it. Even the one shots have powder, and powder is toxic to the lungs.
I am not convinced that the food coloring and koolaid dyes are as safe as people make them out.....they may be safe in small quantities for food, but as the quantity increases, the risks do as well. It's something that I would like to look into more seriously.
Kelley
Check out my solar-dyed yarns at http://www.ceallachdyes.com
and my blog at http://ceallachknits.blogspot.com
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KathyR
Permanent Resident
New Zealand
2969 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2006 : 3:57:55 PM
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Kelley is right - acid dyes, used in the correct quantities, should exhaust. When using the dye in powder form wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder. That is when it is the most dangerous. I use disposable masks when I mix the dye powder. As I have nowhere else to dye I protect my kitchen benches with plenty of newspaper and/or plastic sheeting. Keep these away from the cooktop elements, though! A damp cloth handy is essential for mopping up any spills or splashes quickly. And don't forget to wear gloves! Disposable ones are fine for mixing dyes or when painting yarn/roving. Where heat is involved thicker kitchen gloves are better.
KathyR
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
My Blog |
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kavatar0@excite.com
Chatty Knitter
USA
150 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2006 : 12:12:24 PM
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| I ordered some dyes from http://www.thebellwether.com/. The cushing dyes are pretty simple to use and the DIY website has some projects you can do if you are apprehensive about using acid dyes. |
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kdcrowley
Permanent Resident
USA
4773 Posts |
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YsMomma
New Pal
43 Posts |
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acid dyes
