Standard dyeing procedure for The SotR Kool-Aid Color Chart

July 11, 2005

Fiber Start with one ounce (28.5 grams) clean, white wool. Wool should be free of all lanolin, excess vegetable matter, or yellow stain, and be teased, combed, flicked, carded, or otherwise not matted. Prepared roving is fine. Keep an extra sample for reference.
Dye One packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid Drink Mix
Water About one quart. Enough to cover the wool and allow it to move freely. Exact amount is not important.
Vinegar 1/4 cup
Equipment Use a stainless steel, glass, or unchipped enamel pot. Aluminum and cast iron, including chipped enamel, should not be used for dyeing. The metal can react with the dye and change the resulting color.
Plastic spatula or large spoon for stirring the pot. Not wood; it will absorb the dye.
Rubber gloves to protect your fingers from heat and dye.
Process
  1. Pre-soak wool in hot water for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix water, vinegar, and drink mix into the dye pot. Stir until drink mix is completely dissolved.
  3. Heat the dye solution to just below boiling.
  4. Remove wool from it’s pre-soak and squeeze out excess water.
  5. Add wool to the dye pot. Be sure that the fiber is completely submerged in the dye solution. If necessary, add more water so your fiber is completely covered to ensure even dyeing.
  6. Gently stir the wool periodically to ensure even dyeing.
  7. Simmer until the dye water is colorless. This will take 10-40 minutes. The dye bath may become completely clear or it may stay a milky white.
  8. Once the dye is exhausted, turn off the heat and let the dye pot cool until in can be handled.
  9. Lift out the wool and rinse it thoroughly in water the same temperature as the dye bath.
  10. Squeeze out excess water. Tease out the wool and lay it out to air dry.
  11. Re-card the dyed fiber to blend color.