It’s a Process
Having decided to dye the blanket, I thought I should do a bit of research. Armed with a bit of reading, I first washed the blanket (it hadn’t been washed for years…because it had been in the blanket chest, not because I’m filthy). Then I dug out my old jug of synthrapol from a previous tie dyeing phase and ran it through with a shot of that out of some vague notion that it would be helpful. Then, while the blanket was still wringing wet, I trundled off to mix up the dye.
I used all three packets, and I followed the directions to the letter. Yes, even the part about the cup of salt (farewell fancy Penzeys salt, it was nice to have known you). I ran enough water in the washer to allow the blanket to move freely, tipped in the dye, and swirled it all around. Then, in an unexpected move, I left it alone for a full hour. I’m bad at waiting. This was a challenge.
Once the allotted time had passed, I came back and drained the washer and ran it again with just water. I did that a few more times until the water ran clear.
I picked up my blanket and…and…it was exactly the same. Exactly. No difference in color what so ever. It’s a bit softer and a bit fluffier now, which actually makes it even nicer, but the color is identical.
The next plan, fiber reactive dyes. That involves finding a vessel in which I can simmer my blanket on the stovetop. Should be entertaining. But it will have to wait until the post office brings me a package. Though now that I think of it, you can also simmer the RIT dyes, and I can get more of those locally. Maybe if I’m going to be simmering one way or the other, I should just use those since they’re on hand. Does anyone have some super secret dyeing knowledge that would be of use in this decision? Plan A failed, so I’m totally up for taking suggestions.
Oh, and don’t forget to leave a comment on the giveaway post (look down the page a bit) today for a chance to win Laura Nelkin’s Adorn collection. I’ll be picking a winner tomorrow, so you’ve still got time!
If the blanket is cotton, the fiber reactive dyes should do the trick. If it’s a wool blanket, the fiber reactive dyes aren’t going to be any more successful than the RIT was. Wool needs acid dyes, like Jacquard or Gaywool or Lanaset. Check out http://www.dharmatrading.com for everything you need to know, and everything you need. No affiliation, yadda yadda. They just know their stuff.
Good luck!
What?! No change at all? Crazy…
Hah, that’s classic! I’m now having visions of you setting up a big cauldron in the back yard with a wood fire underneath it and your blanket simmering away in the gianormous pot of dye…
I’m sorry, but this is soooo making me laugh. It wants to stay in the 90s.
Jacquard dyes from Dharma Trading Company….
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1344-AA.shtml?lnav=dyes.html
and use vinegar for a mordant. Simmer until the water is clear. Handle carefully and gently while hot!
I realize I may be a little late to the party but here’s something I do when I dye things – especially when I want and intense color: not only do I simmer, simmer simmer & stir stir stir with my trusty dowel, but then I take the hot vessel and all of its contents and let it cool down overnight on the concrete patio. This has worked very well for me.