I first started playing around with Procion dyes back in 2002 when I started a City & Guilds online course with Linda Kemshall. The thing is that I have some dye powders that go back nearly that far. Definitely time to use them up or throw them out. I opted to use them in a rainbow set. The gradations are uneven because I got sloppy with measuring:
I also did a variation on triad dyeing with some leftover dyes and attempted some earthy tones:
Unfortunately, despite using urea and doing lots of whisking, there were undissolved particles in the bottom of the red dye jar and this spoilt the triad set. I welcome suggestions on how this can be avoided or is this to be expected with dyes that are several years old?
Lisa says
Brenda – the dreaded ‘red spot’ is quite common especially with Fuscia dye. Mixing carefully into a paste with only a little water and then gradually increasing the liquid content certainly helps avoid it. Also some mix with a blender (especially for the purpose). Final filter through an old stocking is also a popular remedy.
Have fun
Cäcilia says
Hi Brenda
Marjie Woodland has a tutorial on her blog, 27. Nov 07. marjiesdyestudio.blogspot.com.
Brenda says
Thanks Cäcilia and Lisa. Here’s a direct link to Marjie’s useful Speck Smashing Seminar which includes a video.
Helen Conway says
I Brenda – I just tagged you. I know you might not want to play but it gave your blog a mention – see my post if you fancy revealing 7 random things about yourself
Annie Morris says
Dear Brenda,
Sometimes the culprit can be the dye batch. Sometimes it can be the temperature of the water used to mix (a bit too cold – but never too hot). I usually find that shaking the ^(*^& out of it in a mixing bottle works wonders. But if ever in doubt or using that particular powder again, ye olde panty hose / stockings as a filter works the best.
I agree with Lisa. It usually is the reds – though not always fuchsia. Nasty little buggers, especially in blended colours like browns or even purples.
Absolutely LOVE your mottled triad piece in the middle pic. Fantastic. You really have a talent for dyeing!
Claire says
Hi Brenda,
Supposedly red procion dyes are notorious for leaving specks behind; it seems to be much harder to dissove it.
The secret seems to be to use warm water when mixing up the dye to a paste. If it still looks a bit grainy you can then filter it through a coffee filter or a stocking.
Beverly says
Hello, Brenda,
I have fought the curse of red dye pops for some time, tried all of the solutions mentioned above. Marjie’s video is helpful, but I didn’t completely solve the problem until I started using a short bristle stencil brush to paste the dye and a bit of water with. For some reason, that worked- use a small amount of water, mix the dye powder into it with the brush, and then slowly add the rest of the water. And, I’m still using dyes that are older than the ones you have!
Mechelle says
Hi Brenda – I’m a really lazy mixer – I always strain any red dye (even if mixed) I have a little plastic mesh sieve that I pore the dye through. Works every time, only takes a second and has no impact- that I can see on the color!
Teri says
Hi Brenda,
How long do you supose the shelf life is for Procion dyes?
Brenda says
I have variously read that Procion dyes have a “limited shelf life”; “an average shelf life of two years” and a “long shelf life” if stored in dry, cool, airtight conditions. Hence the question mark on my blog post. Perhaps someone with more authority than me will be able to enlighten us…