KOOL-AID DYING
	- from August, 2010, meeting

 
Supplies
•	Kool-aid
•	Heavy Duty plastic wrap
•	Freezer bags
•	Squeeze bottles, foam brushes, turkey baster
•	Cups or jars for mixing dye
•	Plastic or wooden spoons 
•	Heat safe bowl
•	Tongs or colander
•	Niddy noddy, chair or end of table
•	Waste yarn
•	Dish soap or shampoo 
•	Rubber gloves, apron, pot holders
•	Plastic tablecloth or newspaper
•	Bleach or bleach wipes, paper towels, sponge

Dyeing methods
•	Dip - refers to putting the yarn directly in the dye bath
•	Handpaint - anytime the dye is applied directly to the yarn. Can use squeeze bottles, paint brush, spray bottle, sponge, hands, etc…
•	Kettle - yarn is sitting in hot water bath, dye is poured directly into water bath and will migrate into yarn. If multiple colors are used they will blend where they meet.  Works well with crock-pot or microwave method and is best if not stirred.
•	Sprinkle - pouring powder directly on to the yarn.  Great for filling in white spots or to create a mottled effect.
 

	You can Kool-aid dye any animal fiber.  Synthetic fibers, including acrylic will not accept the dye.  At the most they may stain but eventually the color will fade or bleed away.  The exception to this is nylon, which accepts the dye generously.  Both superwash and non-superwash wool will accept the dye.  Superwash tends to soak up the dye more quickly.
	Your yarn should be hanked and tied off loosely in at least 3 spots.  Yarn should also be presoaked with a bit of soap, then rinsed and excess water squeezed out.
	There are many options for heat setting your dye.  These include using  a microwave, stove-top, oven, or  crock pot .  You can even assemble a solar baker.  The most important thing is to not boil your yarn or fiber as this will cause it to felt.  
Generally, a ratio of one packet of Kool-Aid per ounce of yarn will yield good results.  You can use more or less to vary the intensity of your dye.
 

Kool-Aid dying group on Ravelry – go to the pages tab.  There are lots of links for tutorials, colorcharts, troubleshooting, etc.  Group also has a monthly dying challenge.
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/what-a-kool-way-to-dye
 
PVC niddy-noddy how to:
http://theanticraft.com/book/lostpages/niddy.htm