Wool Dye

[NebraskaGal]

I need some tips on dying my wool. My friend uses egg dye, but it did not work out for me. I think I would like to try using dye that that was meant for wool, does anyone have a recomendation on what brand or type I should use?

I wanted the wool to be a deep violet and ended up getting a horrible looking pastel blend (there's purple, blue, green, yellow, a hint of pink, it's bad). I know it is mainly because of two things 1. My dye was not consentrated enough, and 2. The wool was yellow to begin with (that is why I got it for so cheep ). I think if I want to dye it a darker color it will cover up the first attempt. Please, anything helpful is welcome.

After this I might just stick to the natural color of the wool, I guess it will depend on how well this ends up turning out.

[suzeeq]

Koolaid works for wool. There's a tutorial here.

[NebraskaGal]

Who knew? That's totally cool! Thanks.

[mullerslanefarm]

Kool aid is merely flavored egg dye. Both need a good mordant of acid (vinegar). You can do this in two ways, either add the vinegar with the dye or pre-mordant your wool by soaking it in water with vinegar added.

Sounds like the dye 'broke', i.e. separated out its colors. Some colors 'bite' more quickly than other colors.

Was your wool thoroughly wet before adding it to the dye pot? I like soaking my wool in a bath of water and vinegar for a good 30 minutes. Drain the water from the wool, then add to the dye pot.

For the price, kool aid and other powdered drink mixes seem like a great deal price wise, but in the long run acid dyes, like Jacquard, are a better value.

[NebraskaGal]

My wool was dry when I put it in the dye. I will look up that dye and get some, thank you so much. I think that is the stuff I was looking at anyway.

[suzeeq]

Yeah the wool needs to be thoroughly wet when you add the dye, or add it to the dye.

[NebraskaGal]

Ooops. I think I remember reading that, but I recall perceiving it as optional. Thank you for your advice!

[mullerslanefarm]

It IS optional, depending on how you want your dye to strike.

If you want an evenly dyed yarn, then the wool needs to be wet.

[NebraskaGal]

Yes that's what I was reading! Well that means I should do that, because that is what I am aiming for. I want to dye it a dark blue/violet, then I will blend it with some if my white angora rabbit hair. After spinning the fiber, I am going to crochet it into a beautiful shawl to sell through my etzy business. I hope it all works out! I will post a picture after I am finished with it.

[Mamaoso]

I like using either Koolaid or Jacquard. You do get some neat colors when you start off with a colored yarn..
If you want a dark color try overdyeing it. Use more dye or after it drys do it again. Always soak your yarn first before you dye it. I soak for atleast 45 minutes and squeeze it to get the air bubbles out.