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Gaywool Dyes

Gaywool dyes imported from Australia, widely known and used by spinners, weavers, felt makers and dyers world wide. Originals and bush blends, for wool, mohair, silk, fur, angora, jute and cashmere, quick and easy to use, and great fun.

Gaywool dyes are safe and economical, colourfast, and wash fast. They are ideal for all, from the first time user to the experienced fibre artist. We are sure you will be delighted with their performance and simplicity.

spun dyed wool
Hand spun yarn dyed with Gaywool dyes colours, orchid and coal

BUSH BLENDS and ORIGINALS
These dyes are formulated specifically for raw or spun wool. The formulation includes the mordant and dyebath acidifier and thus includes all that is necessary to produce true to type color fast dyeing.

INSTRUCTIONS: All dyeing of handspun wool should be done in skeins tied loosely in at least 4 places. It is also essential that they have been washed in a normal laundry detergent to sufficiently remove all traces of grease. The rate is one level plastic cap full per 4 oz of wool.

You need a container suitable for heating and large enough to cover the wool with water. The exact quantity of water is not important but should be sufficient to turn the wool over while dyeing is taking place. for every 4oz of wool add 1 level cap full of dyestuff. Dissolve the dye in a small quantity of HOT water.

Heat the dye bath to boiling. Take the wool and wet in warm water with a little kitchen detergent before placing in dye bath. Keep the dye bath at or near the boiling point for 30 minutes.

NOTE: 80% of the dyeing reaction takes place in the first four minutes, consequently, it is most important to gently turn the wool over at regular intervals or lift the wool clear with a wooden spoon, drain liquid slightly and replace. Wool then takes in a new mixture of dye and water thus keeping the dyeing even.

Remove wool, rinse thoroughly in warm water, wring and hang to dry.

RAINBOW DYEING WITH GAYWOOL DYES:
Raw fleeces may be dyed washed or unwashed. Place fleece in a container, fill with water 3/4 the way up the wool (do not cover the wool, or the dyes will run together). While bringing the water to close a boil, spinkle the dyes at random over the fleece, using compatible colors; gently poke the fleece into the water, do not stir, simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Several colors can be used together, e.g. Raspberry and Logwood, Cornflower and Indigo, or just one color using different strengths. WOOL IN HANKS can be dyed using the above directions.

For more muted colors, instead of sprinkling the powder, dilute the powder in boiling water first. pour or spray.

Gaywool dyes are excellent on wool, cashmere, mohair, silk, nylon and fur (but not on other synthetic fibers) and for re-dying light colored manufactured garments.

Safety Instructions
Always be careful with boiling water, wear gloves and avoid breathing fumes when handling the chemicals.


Bush Blends


Original Blends


Prices - Gaywool dyes for wool and silk

Originals

€13.50 Sufficient to dye 800g of fabric

Bush Blends

€8.50 Sufficient to dye 600g of fabric

15 Gram pack

€2.25 Dyes 100g of fabric (only available in Originals)

Discounts
10% on orders of: Mixed order to the value of €150
15% on orders of: Mixed order to the value of €300
Please telephone for postage rates on larger quantities