Although there are specific instructions for extracting dyes from each 

 type of plant or animal material listed, certain general procedures apply 

 to all dyeing: 



1. When textile materials are immersed in mordanting and dye 

 liquors they should be opened out and turned over gently in the 

 liquid from time to time to allow maximum, even penetration of 

 the dye or mordant. This process is sometimes referred to as 

 "working" the material. 



2. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided in all stages of 

 dyeing and mordanting, particularly when handling wool. Tempera- 

 ture of the dyebath should be lukewarm (95° F.) for wool; hot 

 (140° F.) for cotton. Dyebaths are then heated gradually to boiling 

 and simmered or boiled according to the specific recipe. 



3. If the dye liquid boils down, lift out the fibers, yarn, or cloth and 

 add boiling water, thus keeping the water level of the dyebath 

 constant throughout the dye process. 



4. After dyeing, the first rinse water should be the same temperature 

 as the dyebath. Temperature can be cooled gradually until finally 

 arriving at the last cool, clear rinse water. Insufficient rinsing often 

 causes dye to rub off or crock later. 



5. When squeezing excess moisture from materials after mordanting, 

 dyeing or rinsing, do not twist or wring the wool or cotton. Such 

 harsh treatment introduces streaks and wrinkles that are difficvilt to 

 remove. 



6. After the final rinse, roll the dyed material in a clean cloth or towel 

 to absorb excess moisture; then shake it well and hang it in the 

 shade to dry. Do not dry wool in a clothes drier. When dyed fabric 

 is dry enough to iron, cover it with a cloth and steam press. Fibers 

 and yarn are ready for use after they are dried. 



7. The full amount of yarn or cloth required for each project should be 

 dyed at one time. Vegetable dye materials vary so much that it is 

 impossible to duplicate colors exactly. 



8. To lighten or darken colors, decrease or increase the quantity of 

 dyestuflfs. Experimentation will result in interesting color effects. 



9. These recipes provide basic information on dyeing with natural 

 ingredients and should be regarded as a first step in the exploration 

 of natural dye materials. Many other good dyestuffs are available 

 locally to craftsmen who wish to experiment. 



The following plant materials, sometimes suggested for dyeing, do not 

 produce fast colors on wool or cotton, therefore they were not included in 

 the dye recipes: annatto seeds; Japanese barberry root; beets; crab-apple 



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