Lynn Koolish - Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Dyeing

Dedication

To my husband, Glenyou make it possible for me to keep doing what I love to do.

To my mother, Ruthyoure a great role model for staying healthy, active, and creative.

Acknowledgments

Almost everyone I know who dyes fabric learned either the basics or more advanced techniques from others. These are the four people from whom I have learned.

I took my first dyeing class from Sonya Lee Barrington. Her class introduced me to the basics and got me started.

Ann Johnston has written and published several books on dyeing that many consider essential, especially when you have a little experience under your belt. Her low-water immersion techniques greatly helped me expand my dyeing horizons.

Jane Dunnewold is known for the concept of complex clothlayers of color, pattern, and texture that result in fabrics that stand on their own as works of art. Her classes and books are outstanding.

When it comes to more advanced dyeing techniques, Sue Benner is a master. Her Expressive Dye Painting class opened my eyes to a whole new world of dyeing.

I am indebted to all four. They are great teachers and artists who generously share their extensive knowledge and expertise.

Thank you also to the following individuals and companies.

Those who have contributed quilts and other projects:

Helen Frost, Becky Goldsmith, and Laura Wasilowski

Companies that provided materials and information:Dharma Trading, for dyes, supplies, and cotton fabrics

Duncan Enterprises, for Tulip dyes

Jacquard, for dyes and other supplies

Kaufman Fabrics, for cotton fabrics

Pro Chemical & Dye, for dyes, supplies, and cotton fabrics

RJR Fabrics, for cotton and silk fabrics

Everyone at C&T, for their ongoing support and encouragement.

introduction

This book is designed to help you start dyeing with a minimal investment in terms of time, effort, and supplies. If you already know the basics, you will find some new approaches and techniques.

There are many ways to dye fabric. Ive experimented and adapted methods to find the ways of working that fit my needs.

Fast: I generally use methods that dont take a lot of time or effort. I want to dye the fabric and start using it.

Fun: I dye fabric for myself because its fun, so I dont want to get bogged down by complicated methods, time-consuming techniques, or extensive record keeping.

Easy: I always have dyeing supplies on hand, but because I dye sporadically, I dont want to keep mixed dyes or other solutions around. I mix what I need when I need it. I also use the minimum amount of supplies to get the job done.

In addition to dyeing fabric to make quilts, garments, and other projects, I have learned that its just as easy to dye clothes, household goods, and other things I already have. In my house, anything that is light colored or stained is a prime candidate for dyeing. I routinely dye clothing, as well as faded bath towels, spotted kitchen towels, stained linen tablecloths and napkins, and more.

So what are you waiting for?

You dont really need very much to get started dyeing. The essentials are dye, fabric, and soda ash. The supplies are easy to find and easy to use.

Basic supplies for dyeing