Dyeing Mottled Double Colors
step 1
Prepare dye solutions for 2 different dyes by measuring dyes in 2 different liquid measuring cups. Pour 1 cup of boiling water into each measuring cup to dissolve dyes. Stir each dye solution. Keep the 2 solutions separate from each other.
step 2
Fill a wide-mouth quart jar with a couple of inches of tepid tap water. Measure 2 tablespoons of ONE of the dye solutions in the water in the jar. Then measure into jar 2 teaspoons COLOR SMART™ CRYSTALS.
Step 3
Add 1/4 yard of wool fabric (or 88 grams wool yarn) and press wool tightly in jar. Add tepid tap water until wool is barely covered. Lift wool up and down a couple of times with tongs to make sure that all the wool is covered with color and no white spots remain. Press wool tightly into jar again.
turn on the heat.
Step 4
Simmer in covered dye bath until temperature reaches 190 degrees F. Do not disturb wool.
step 5
After the dye bath has reached 190 degrees F, remove wool from dye pot. Add 2-8 tablespoons of the SECOND dye solution to the dye bath, depending on how much contrast in light and dark mottling you hope to achieve (you can always add more dye solution, but you cannot take it away). Add to dye pot 4 teaspoons of CITRIC ACID CRYSTALS. Replace wool in jar. Press down tightly again. Do not stir.
STEP 6
Cover and maintain temperature 200-212 degrees F for 60 minutes. Do not disturb the wool. After 60 minutes, turn off heat and remove wool from dye bath immediately (the water may not completely exhaust, especially when dyeing darker values, so do not worry if there is a little color left in the water). Do not let wool sit in dye bath to cool down. If you do, the dye residue left in the water will spot the wool as the dye molecules cool off and drop out of the suspension. Allow wool to cool before rinsing on low spin cycle to remove excess water and drying on delicate cycle. You may use liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets. I do!
Disclaimer.
Like other household chemicals, acid leveling dyes are regarded as safe when used for their intended purpose following recommended procedures. So read up and be smart! My products and directions are presented in good faith but no warranty either expressed or implied is made, nor results guaranteed. I have no control over the end use of this product and must disclaim any liability for untoward results or accidents.