GayWool

Dyeing with Gaywool Dyes:
This dye is 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.

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 FIBERMASTER (also available from Louet
Sales) or a normal laundry detergent to sufficiently remove all traces of grease. The rate
is one level plastic cap full per 4 oz of wool.

Method:
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 4 oz 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 FIBERMASTER or 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 from dye bath, rinse thoroughly in warm
water, wring and hang to dry.

Darker Gaywool Colors:
When tie dyeing with darker colors, first dye dark color, then rinse very well. Dark colors
need more rinsing and may bleed into your tyedye. This also applies to microwave dying.
Watch dark colors.

Coldwater Dyeing with Gaywool Dyes:
For large amounts of rainbow dyeing, cold water dyeing is easy to do outside.

Method:
Raw Wool, Hands, Sheepskins, etc., can all be done by this method. Wet your wool. For
every liter (32 oz) of water you will need to add 40 gram of UREA (nitrogen) and 6.5 cc of
Acetic Acid (White Vinegar). Mix the desired dye powder with hot water. Mix with our
solution with the dye. Then simply dip hanks, paint strands or pour dye so it runs down the
hank or spray (using a spray bottle). Wring our excess liquid if it is very wet. Cover with
plastic for 24 hours. Finally, rinse and dry.