the dropped spindle

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sally · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

Have just bought a selection of acid dyes from Kemtex dyes as my anonymous little pots from elsewhere are almost gone. The Instruction booklet talks darkly about 'levelling agents' and 'fixers', whearas I've previously just used vinegar. Is there some other magic ingredient I absolutely have to have or can I merrily use vinegar with these too?

cledry yarner · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 176

If it's the bog standard acid dyes I just use vinegar or citric acid. I think the levellers etc are just products that they're trying to sell.

sally · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

Exactly what I wanted to hear Very Happy

cledry yarner · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 176

Did you ever try dyeing that superwash 4 ply?

sally · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

I did, or rather I let Gareth dye himself some sock yarn, and am currently knitting socks of Unspeakable Tastelessness. Laughing

Will post a pic when they are done

sally · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

Just been playing with my dyes, and I suspect I'm overdoing the vinegar, I used about a cup of vinegar to a 2 gallon dyebath, and it smells too vinegery. It worked, but I think I could ease off next time. Any tips on how much vinegar to use?

cledry yarner · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 176

I just glug it in when I use vinegar (and I wonder why I get haphazrd results Rolling Eyes

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