Date: June 20th 2008

On the subject of dying yarns, here's an article on using Kool-Aid to do so:

http://www.knitty.com/issuefall02/FEATdyedwool.html

I wouldn't exactly call Kool-Aid "natural", but if it's safe and non-toxic that you're looking for, that might do the trick. You could probably modify these directions to use it for tie dying.

On Jun 20, 2008, at 12:21 PM, Juline.Chevalier@duke.edu wrote:

Ask your local yarn store...not the big box craft store, but a place that has natural fiber yarns. As a serious knitter (and new spinner) I know that there are lots of resources out there (prepackaged kits, etc.) for buying natural dyes for fiber. Join ravelry.com (free and easy) and you'll have access to many many folks who use natural dyes and want to help you. You'll also be able to connect with any local fiber-fanatics who could assist with the project.

Best of luck,
Juline
____________________________________________
Juline Chevalier
Curator of Education
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
Box 90732
Durham, NC 27708-0732
919-684-8071
919-681-8624
www.nasher.duke.edu

mhughes@bethelwoodscenter.org
06/20/2008 03:13 PM

Please respond to
"Margaret Hughes" <mhughes@bethelwoodscenter.org>

To
juline.chevalier@duke.edu

cc

Subject
natural dyes

Greetings!

I am developing an art activity for a family day that would use natural dyes to create tie-dye t-shirts, and I am seeking information on three things:

1. What sources are available for natural dyes? I know about different plant sources, of course, but Im wondering if any companies have natural pigments that can be purchased. (Im just thinking it would be inefficient for me to stand over a boiling vat of beets all night stewing my dye.) Are there any companies youve used that sell natural dyes. Or, if you have experience creating dye from natural sources, please let me know.
2. Ive noticed that some sources that describe natural dyes say that you need to let fabrics soak longer in the dye than necessary with commercial dyes. Are there any natural ingredients that will dye quicker than others? Since this is a tie-dye activity at a family day, we dont have hours to soak the shirts.
3. Are there any references about creating and using natural dyes? Or if you have any war stories, please share.

Many thanks,

Margaret

Margaret W. Hughes l Museum Education Manager
The Museum at Bethel Woods

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