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i would like to try dying lace. Question: how do you know what the lace is made of. and where can you buy Jacquard acid dyes. can any lace be dyed with this dye. Thanks

I've been dying lace for about 5 years now so I'll jump in here and tell some of what I know.

Most laces are made of either 100% cotton or rayon. The type of dyes you use on each result in a different look. I myself like using the rayon venise laces as they give off a beautiful sheen to them when done. Just note not all lace dyes up the same - some dull looking and some shiny. I've spent hours experimenting and always come up with a different look.

I've taken a few classes at Pro Chemical which is here in MA. They sell the powerered dyes which require you using a mask and eye glasses as well as being in a well ventilated area.... they can be a bit messy but worth the effort.

Caution - whenever you are dyeing PLEASE read the instructions first. I did not when using the powedered dyes as I was so excited to just get started BUT... I ended up with severe headaches and a rash. lesson learned.

As for Jacquard dyes - I buy mine from Dharma Trading. The only ting about buying from them is some times the postage is more than the dye itself! Very expensive to ship. Contact a local Art Supply shop and see if they carry them there. Yes they will be more expensive by the bottle if you buy from them but in the long run they will be cheaper because you won't be paying the insane postage that it cost to have them shipped.

If you want a peek into what my laces look like, just click on my line below for Raviolee Dreams.

yep, listen to the dying Queen, Miss Nickilee is the Queen of dying lace. i have some of the most beautiful lace that Nicki has dyed for me . I'm still waiting for a CQ retreat with our Queen LOL

patsy

Thank you Nickilee, I am blown away by your laces and CQ work. thanks for the advice. I would like to try this. it will take me a while to get things together. I'll post if i am succesful

I used to sale the Jacquard acid dyes, and think that they are easy to use. I always worked outside when possible, or inside only after mixing them. Never needed any special "protection" with these.

There is a "recipe" and free tutorial for dying still on my blog...just look at the top for "tutorials" tab and then you'll see a list that has dying included.

You only need a basic palette of yellow, red, blue to get started. (Mix yellow and blue to get green; mix yellow and red to get orange, mix red and blue to get purple.) The amount of each will determine your final shade.

Or, go wild...and get tons of colors to play around with!

Good luck.

Oh, and all laces are not cotton or rayon. There is a whole lot of nylon or synthetic stuff out there too.

The acid still dyes you are talking about...only work for cotton and rayon. You'll need a totally different plan for nylons or synthetics.

You can test lace with a bit of food coloring. Just put a couple of drops of food coloring in a cup of water. Snip an inch of lace and drop in it (or sacrifice a motif). Remove...and rinse well.

If the dye stays on the lace...it is probably rayon or cotton. If it doesn't...then the acid dyes won't work with that lace either.

I am a novice at dying laces. I usually buy dyed laces from Nicki. However a friend of mine got the basic RIT tye dyes a couple of years ago. No special protection needed. Not the quality of the good stuff either. However it provided me the colored laces I wanted at the time.

In January I experimented with coffee and tea dying. That is when I learned that not all the lace in my stash is cotton or rayon. Especially laces I purchased cheaply off of ebay or at Joann's. I did learn in my research that coffee will eventually decay the laces in 30-40 years. Tea gave a richer color and you can experiment with different teas. They must be real tea not the herbs.

Just go for it. Whatever dye type feels the most comfortable for starting with. Buy as many colors as your budget allows.

I look forward to seeing your dyed lace.

pb

thanks Shawlk. I have been to your web site. you do some amazing work. I printed your instructions and will try this soon