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Frequently Asked Questions
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I won't pretend I know all the answers. But with over ten years
of dyeing behind me in everything from plastic pails to plastic
bags - I may have just the tip you need to solve your dyeing dilemma.
I'll try to keep this page updated regularly with new hints and
tips - so come back often. If you have any questions or tips of
your own to pass on, just email me at:
helen@crosswayspatch.co.uk
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Throughout my books you'll find delightful
and humorous cat illustrations by the celebrated artist Toni Goffe.
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1. Are Procion MX dyes dangerous to use if
you dye in your kitchen?
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Procion
MX dyes are not toxic, but can cause allergies if not treated with
some respect. I use a mask when handling dye powder for any length
of time. I try to mix my dyes and get them packed away as soon as
possible. I feel much happier when I am working with them in solution.
Wear gloves to avoid too much dye on your hands - a little doesn't
do any harm. Definitely keep dyeing utensils separate from cooking
utensils. I you dye in your kitchen - clean up well afterwards.
Finally - I've heard that many popular cleaning products are far
more toxic than Procion MX dyes. |
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| 2. How
do I know if my fabric is 100% cotton? |
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The simplest
test is to cut a small piece of fabric, put it in an old saucer
or something similar and burn it. If the smoke is white and the
residue is like soft powder, the fabric is 100% natural fibre. If
the smoke is black and the residue is sticky or gritty, then there
is a percentage of man made fibre in the fabric. |
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| 3. What
does 'Mercerised' mean? |
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Mercerisation
means the cotton yarns or fabrics have been treated with a concentrated
solution of caustic alkali. This causes the fibres to swell - which
improves dye affinity, strength, handle and lustre. If the fabric
is stretched during this process, the lustre is further enhanced.
Mercerised fabric can be more expensive - but the dyed results will
be stronger and darker. |
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| 4. Can
I use the dye solution that is left in the plastic bag? |
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This question
comes up time and time again. The thing is that although it might
look good, the reactive qualities of the dye have ceased and this
solution is no good for dyeing fabrics any longer. If however you
like designing on paper, it does make reasonable coloured ink. |
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| 5. How
long will the dye stay on my hands? |
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No matter
how careful you are, you usually get some dye on your hands. This
goes within a couple of days. Washing, scrubbing and hand cream
will help. The dye actually only dyes dead cells, so once these
are washed away the problem is resolved. |
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| 6. Why
do I get big white patches on my tie dyed fabrics? |
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This could
be caused by extremely tight tying or by wetting the fabric before
dyeing. If you do this, water acts as a resist and will not let
the dye penetrate into the fabric. If you tie-dye dry fabric, the
dye will 'wick' its way in and you will get wonderful shading of
colour and no white spots. |
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| 7. Why
do I get different colours appearing on my tie-dyed pieces? |
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This happens
when dyes have been mixed. The pigment from the different colours
separates out and travels through the fabric at different speeds,
giving some wonderful effects. |
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