dyeing Solid Colors

 Step 4

Heat up slowly to 190 degrees F so that wool has time to absorb and the dye levels. Stir at 30-minute intervals. Do not go on to the next step until the color is evenly distributed across the wool. If color is separated or splotchy, dunk wool well and continue to heat, checking and stirring at 30-minute intervals.

step 5

After the color has leveled and the dye bath has reached 190 degrees F, remove wool from dye pot. Add to dye pot CITRIC ACID CRYSTALS according to Chart C. White vinegar may be substituted, but CITRIC ACID CRYSTALS are recommended for best results. Replace wool in pot or container, dunking well to keep the color even.

STEP 6

Turn up heat and maintain temperature 200-212 degrees F for 60 minutes, dunking wool every 15 minutes to achieve the most even color. 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!