Koolaide dye

I just did this a few days ago, see my blog, I'll post pics of the pink bag in the morning. W. sugar and cream I dye after the project is finished IF it is all going to be the same color. Also cotton needs an extra punch with koolaid die and I find that boiling the project for about 15 min and then shocking it with cold water does the trick.

I have only done some samples once in koolaide and did not like the colours much, However; I am working with natural dyes and also use procion MX dyes as well. The general rule for cotton is to boil it in caustic soda with some strong soap. This will prepare the cotton to take on the dye, natural or chemical. My advice is that you use some washing soda and skein your cotton and boil it for 15 mints or so. Rinse your cotton and now do your dyeing. I bet that the colour will take better.

Helen and wooly, what do you think

Els

LOL, I'm not Helen or Wooly, but I'll add my two pence as well.... in that vinegar will 'set' the colour. Hugs, Noreen

I forgot I had this in my favs.

Thanks everyone for your replies. Ohh, thanks for that link, it is really informative and I have it book marked. I really like the colors she achieved with the koolaide. I never imagined such nice color combos

Diane

I don't know if you have been to my blog, but if you look in the history at "Painted Yarn" you can see what koolaid can do! btw, the off brands work just as well, but will not turn out the exact same color as Koolaid.

I think I wouldn't waste my time trying to dye cotton with Koolaid. It's an acid dye and will only stain cotton, not dye it permanently. Vinegar is of NO HELP in setting it on cotton. Go with RIT if you're getting your dye from the grocery store, or a dye that's made for cotton, like Procion MX.

Helen "Halla" Fleischer, Fantasy & Fiber Artist

Noreen

huh? I do it all the time. it works quite well.

me, too, Bell Jar! and vinegar really SETS it for me, see my previous reply to Halla. Noreen

Sometimes I remember the vinegar, sometimes I don't ... i think the vinegar gives the color a more finished look, but w/o is fine too. I think it just doesn't work well if you use it on one batch and then don't use it on anohter then make a project w/ both.

am nodding in agreement! Noreen

I thought I could hear a rattling sound! LOL

Ducking! Gem

On cotton? you surprise me!

Helen "Halla" Fleischer, Fantasy & Fiber Artist

Noreen when I took a 3 day Procion MX dyeworkshop with Maiwa last year, we were told that the use of vinigar as a method of setting the dye is just hear say. Since I am not a chemist, I do not know, and have indeed to go by what other people teach me and tell me. Go look it up in a good dyeing book. Do remember that koolaid is made to consume, and really not to dye with.

Els

Els

How about that vingegar may change the colour, because of its acidity, but maybe it does not set the colour. When the vinegar users do not use it, does the koolaid wash out again...??

Els

Hi Els! My dear departed friend, Bill, was a chemist, and he too claimed the vinegar was hearsay, until he saw my 8 year old brand new looking jeans..... Hugs, Noreen

LOL, Gem! 'cept... since my head's full of foam rubber (according to 'some', grin), that rattling surely couldn't've come from me! Sure it wasn't a muffled sound??? Laughing like a banshee, Noreen

Better than being full of air like some people think MINE is! hehehe I just let them believe what they want! ;o)

Gem