I have taught for over 20 years and just recently started producing items to sell. In the past I only dyed items for my family and friends use. I go to thrift shops and buy items I can identify as natural fibers. That would include not only garments but curtains, sheets, pillow cases, tea towels etc. Often the most I have to pay for anything is $5. Then with tag color mark-downs or senior discounts things are less expensive.
Inventory:
Keep track of what you buy and how much you pay for it. I note the label ( Eddie Bauer, Charter Club etc) and/or fiber content, sleeve length etc to distinguish one item from another. It would be the same if you buy new items.
Tie Dye Production
Color combinations and Tie Patterns.
Dye water
Pre measure dye
Mix dye
Soda Soak (or not)
Tie Rubber bands or string
Batch Containers or bags
Wash out By hand or washing machine.
Color combinations and Tie Patterns
Before you start you need to research tying patterns and what color combinations you are going to use.
Dye Fixer:
The next decision to make is how you are going to introduce your dye fixer. I use Soda Ash. The choices are: pre-soak and dye damp, pre-soak and let dry and dye later, dye without soda ash and add either to the dye directly or to the garment after you have applied the dye.
Dye Preparation:
Dye Water:
I have read that this may be unnecessary to do, but I do it anyway. In a gallon of water I dissolve 2 cups of Urea and 1 teaspoon synthrapol. I add this to my premeasured dye in the plastic water bottles.
Dye:
I pre-measure my dye into plastic water bottles. They are easier to shake than the squirt bottles. I have put a strip of masking tape on the bottle, noting the color. I often measure out 3-4 bottles worth at a time, storing them in a plastic bin. Then when I am ready to dye I simply add the Dye Water and shake.
Dyeing
Here is where you will make your decision about soda soaked or not, damp or dry, etc. You need to experiment because each process has its own look. The dyes react differently depending on the natural resistance in the fabric.
You need to decide how you will tie the item and with what. Rubber bands and string are commonly used.
You apply the dye directly to the item after tying. I use the boxes bottled water comes in lined with newspaper. I also have a rack over my sink that I can use. The item then goes into a container that will keep it moist for the time it takes to batch.
Batching:
Items need to sit at least 4 hours, ideally overnight in a warm environment at least 70 degrees. (Some one else can explain the chemistry.) For this you need plastic bags, bins or buckets. For best results each item needs to be in its own container and is best kept damp.
Wash out:
It is best to rinse first with cold water, followed by 2 rinses in hot water with sythrapol added.
