For the light test, samples of the dyed fabrics were cut and exposed for 

 40 hours to the rays of a carbon-arc lamp. Throughout the test period half 

 of each piece was shielded while the rays of the lamp shone directly on the 

 other half. Then the two parts were compared and the fastness to light 

 rated as follows : Good — no appreciable change of color ; fair — appreciable 

 but not objectionable change of color; poor — objectionable change of color. 



Though these light tests were run in a standard fading apparatus, the 

 same method can be followed at home by exposing samples to sunlight. 

 Cut 2-inch-square openings in each of two pieces of heavy cardboard, 

 fasten a swatch of dyed cloth to one piece of cardboard and lay the other 

 cardboard over the swatch, sandwich fashion. It is important that the 

 light come through the fabric. Then place this sample in its frame out of 

 doors in the direct sunlight and tilted toward the sun. After a few days 

 remove and compare the section exposed to the sun with the covered portion. 



This test cannot be considered absolutely conclusive, since the exposure, 

 strength of sunlight at the particular season, and other factors modify 

 results. Such a test will, however, suggest whether a dyed fabric may 

 be satisfactory as a curtain or decorative fabric that would be exposed to 

 sunlight. 



To determine whether a dye will bleed, stain or fade in washing, samples 

 were prepared by sewing a 2" x 4" piece of dyed fabric to a similar piece 

 of undyed material. Each sample was placed in a half-pint jar partly 

 filled with neutral soap solution (0.5 percent for wool and 0.1 percent for 

 cotton) at 120° F. and agitated in a shaking machine for 30 nainutes. 

 The sample was removed, squeezed through a wringer, and rinsed by 

 agitating in water for 10 minutes. Rinsing was repeated five times and the 

 temperature of each rinse gradually dropped to lukewarm. The samples 

 were dried quickly, then compared with the original unwashed fabric, and 

 rated as in the light test. A similar test could be devised for wash testing 

 under home washing conditions. 



Equipment and Supplies 



Simple equipment and a few easily obtainable supplies are needed to 

 dye textile materials at home. These include: 



Scales that will weight accurately in fractions of an ounce. 



Kettles of enamel or copper, large enough to immerse the material 

 completely. Because iron darkens colors and tin makes colors harsh, 

 kettles made of these materials should be avoided if possible. 



Large pails or tubs for rinsing dyed materials. 



Measuring equipment: gallon, peck, and quart measures, tablespoons and 

 dippers. 



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