Thursday, June 30, 2011
Dieing or is it Dyeing?
Some years ago, a friend and I were having a wonderful time dyeing in my kitchen. This was before I had a studio for such things. A physician neighbor came to the door about something and I answered it wearing my surgical gown (which makes a great cover-up for dyeing and painting by the way). He looked rather startled and I said: "Oh, we're just dyeing." His expression became more concerned and I realized that he thought I said "dieing" and not "dyeing". I hurriedly explained and his whole body visibly relaxed. Evidently he was planning to spring into action to save our lives. I still laugh over this incident many years later.
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Yesterday I rinsed out a new batch of a 15 step gradation using ProChem MX Sun Yellow (108), Fuchsia (308), and Intense Blue (406). The above picture shows the dyes soaking in my laundry tub before I threw them into the washing machine. I used to spend a lot of back breaking time rinsing and rinsing and rinsing until the water ran clear before I put the dyed fabrics into the washer. Several years ago, I discovered that if I quickly rinsed the fabric under running water and then left them to soak in hot water until the water cooled (at least 30 minutes), followed by a Synthrapol wash and then a Milsoft rinse, they were good to go. My back is very grateful for the relief.
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5 comments:
I just dyed yesterday and will definitely try that tip... it is back breaking rinsing and rinsing=)
I usually do all of the rinsing in the washer, but I'll try this tip. Sounds like it would save water!
I'll still do it in the washer...but I'll just fill it with hot water and let it cool before proceeding.
I came to a similar conclusion last week after a Major Dye Accident. Had to laugh about "dying" and "dyeing." My children don't bat an eye when I tell them I'm going to dye in the basement, but I did scare a friend who called and I told her I was dyeing.
I figured out the same thing--saves not just your back but electricity to run the hot water heater, too--I used to rinse until I was out of hot water--not to mention how much easier it is on your hands to let the washer do most of the wringing!
My husband loves to tell people that I can't come to the phone because I'm dyeing. Har de har har har.
I remember this day of dyeing fabric. The look on his face was so funny. I would like to have a day of dyeing like that again. Maybe in Maine this summer?
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