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Janice Aug 28, 2005

I use Procion MX dyes to dye my mohair. I mix up the colour I want. In Farley's case I only used a 1/4 yard of mohair to 3/4 cup of dye solution. The mohair has to be pre soaked first. Then I use the smallest container I can find that will the take the mohair and dye solution put the dye in and scrunch the mohair into it , some parts of the mohair will have less contact with the dye solution, some more thus giving a mottled effect. Leave for required time and wash out and leave to dry naturally.

Marion Aug 28, 2005

Thanks you a lot for this tips ! The result on Farley is really wonderful.
Hugs,
Marion

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorAug 28, 2005

Janice... THANK YOU!  When the time comes for me to "dip my hands" -- ha! -- into home-dyed mohair, this is the method I'll use.  Really love the effect you got on your darling bear. 

Donna Aug 28, 2005

Hi All,
Just wanted to tell you all about Earth Palette Dyes.  I discovered them years ago.  They come from Australia.  Sandra Kay Murphy and her partner (can't remember her name) wrote a book on it also.  The problem was that it was so expensive to get them shipped over here.  Shipping was as much or more that the product ($30.00 for the kit).
While at the ABC San Diego show, I discovered a couple of ladies that have it here in the US for sale now.  They go by The Imagination Institute.  They are in Florida.  There is a little clown bear in each of the magazines this month by Majorie Fairbarin that was dyed with the Earth Palette Dyes.  She painted the back of the fabric with the color and the white mohair on the front did not pick up any of the color.  It is a great medium for play and experimentation. 
To my knowdlege these gals do not have a website but you can find info by searching for Earth Palette Dyes or you can check out Sandra Kay Murphy.
Donna

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorAug 28, 2005

Thanks, Donna!

Eileen Aug 28, 2005

Thanks, all,

Can someone experienced in dyeing mohair give us some info on which dyes color both the mohair and the backing, which color only the mohair and which (if any) color only the backing?

I don't know where to start! :(

Eileen

Donna Aug 29, 2005

Eileen,
I'm not a pro with dying but most of your dyes that require hot water will color both the backing and the mohair.  Procion and Dylon (I think that is the correct one) are your better quality dyes.  Don't forget kool-aid and fruit juices!  I think there was one bear that Donna Butts, Yosemite Bear Works, did that was just a tipped bear and I think I remember she used silk dye.  The Earth Palette Dyes are very thick and you put the color where you want it.  Then you wrap the mohair in plastic and let it sit.  You check to see if it is finished by taking a paper towel and rub the color.  If no color comes off it is finished.  Then you rinse in cold water.  This is one dye that you can put just on the back, turn the fabric face down and paint the back.  The cotton backing will dye the color you put on it and the mohair on the face of the fabric will not pick up the color.  You could do this with the mohair and try not to get any color on the backing also.  With Earth Palette Dye when you squish the dye into the fabric is when you get it on the fabric and the mohair.  You really can paint a design with this stuff!
Your natural dyes are going to work better on the cotton and mohair.  Just jump in there and start playing while keeping a log of everything you do.  I like to use fabric that has some color to it also.  I use a tan or stone color.
What are you wanting to do?
Donna

Eileen Aug 29, 2005

Thanks, Donna!

Great information, and it's all going into my how-to file.

My one and only experiment so far was on a piece of white strong mohair with acid dye. I wanted grey, so I used a bit of black acid dye. Too much, I guess, because my first bit of mohair turned out dark blue with a white backing. My second piece, in the same dye bath, came out a beautiful silvery grey, also with a white backing.

I washed the mohair first, as directed. The packet didn't claim that the dye would color cotton, but it didn't claim that it wouldn't, either! I should have figured it out, but . . . :/

Eileen

minkbears Sep 9, 2005

I also saw the mohair dying demonstration at the San Diego Show and I did get some contact info from them. The Imagination Institute is in Florida and is owned by Kathy Glenn and Liz Carollo. I couldn't find a website but their email address is ImaginationInst@aol.com and phone # 818-909-7607. I was really impressed with the Earth Palette Dyes and when I use up my Procion MX Dyes I plan on giving them a try.

Kathy

Mutz Sep 10, 2005

Hi All,
I do lots of dyeing and really enjoy some of the wild effects I get with it.  I usually dye after the critter is sewn, but before it is stuffed.  I ususally use Rit, dipping a wet  critter to get a blending of colors. 

This is R. Fur as an example.  I wil gladly email instructions I use for dying to anyone who emails me privately. Unfortuately I don't have time to type the instructions in the forum.
TTFN
Amy

Deb Oct 10, 2005

Dear Mohair Dyeing People,

If I wet mohair and spray dye on, or airbrush on ... can I get a "tipped" affect?

Dilu Oct 10, 2005

So?  I'm missing half this topic- the important half....where's this bear everyone is raving about?  I want to see too!

:P

Deb- try it and let us see the results......challange- :clap:

Janice Oct 12, 2005

Hi

Sorry I should have posted picture of Farley at the start along with the method I used
Here he is

regards
Janice

Eileen Oct 12, 2005

Wow, Janice!

Farley is a love--nice dying!

Eileen

Jellybelly Bears Oct 12, 2005

I just ordered a whole heap of special mohair dye.  Will let you know how it all goes when I try it out.  I tried food dye as we don't have kool ade here and it just didn't work through to the backing   Good for light shades tho
Thanks for all the great info

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorOct 12, 2005

Amy, your bunny is fabulous.  I'm gonna try dying one of these days.  Will you please email me your directions?  Thanks so much! 

matilda Oct 13, 2005

I'm an 'earth palletter' as well