Each week, we are emailed with questions from our natural dye community asking simple and complex questions that we thought might be worth sharing. Here are a handful from this week answered by natural dyer in chief, Kathy Hattori, Founder of Botanical Colors:
What are the best gloves for natural dyeing?
I like to use the Ansell brand of gloves as they have a longer cuff version perfect for indigo vats and several insulated styles that are good for hot dye baths.
I’m trying to carefully rotate my fibers so I don’t get hot spots. How do I keep from wrapping my fabric around the spoon when dyeing?
Tongs are a great way to handle fabrics in the dye pot.
What type and size dye pot should I use?
I prefer stainless steel for overall durability and get the best results from dyeing. Light aluminum pots can be fine but I’ve noticed that they tend to dull some colors. Enamel pots are good if they don’t have chips or cracks in them as those damaged areas can leach iron into your dye bath.