Michelle's Process Blog

September 14, 2018

Lots of green.

August 31, 2018

I’ve been trying out new patterns this week! 

August 16, 2018

July 16, 2018

July 13, 2018

May 28, 2018

May 8, 2018

CERF+ “Get Ready” Grant - Safe Dye Handling Equipment pt. 3

Mixing Dye Concentrate Using a Dye Box:

Warm Water: 1 cup (240 mL)

Metaphos (water softener): 1/8 tsp

Urea: 1 - 2 tbs (30mL - 60mL)

Dye Powder: 2tbs (30mL)

1. Measure warm water into a container. DO NOT use water over 95F because this reduces the reactivity of the dye, resulting in poor color. (Turquoise dye must be dissolved in water that is 140F

2. Add the urea and metaphos. Stir until dissolved.

3. Prepare dye mixing box: dampen a towel and place in the bottom of the dye mixing box.

4. Slightly unscrew the top of the dye jar, place in mixing box along with a measuring spoon, mixing spatula, and a small container of water for rinsing the spoon.

5. Pour a small amount from the 1 cup of urea + metaphos water into a flat-bottomed container and place in the dye box. Close lid of box.

6. Measure the dye powder into the urea + metaphos water. Stir the dye into a paste. Place used measuring spoon into container of water.

7. Remove dye paste from mixing box and add in remaining urea + metaphos water. Stir until thoroughly dissolved.

8. Pour dye into a labeled storage container.

9. Store in fridge. (Concentrates are most potent for one week when refrigerated.)

Dye concentrate instructions adapted from the Appalachian Center for Craft fibers studio and from the book Color by Design by Ann Johnston.

pt. 1: Glove box info

May 8, 2018

CERF+ “Get Ready” Grant - Safe Dye Handling Equipment pt. 2

How to Safely Handle Dye Powder Using a Dye Box:

1. Line bottom of box with a wet towel. This will wet any dye powder that falls to the bottom of the box.

2. Put a container of water in the box to soak any measuring spoons/spatulas that touch dye powder. DO NOT remove anything from the dye box that has dry powder on it.

3. Put in any other equipment/materials needed for your dye recipe.

4. Close box, wear a safety mask, and mix dye.

5. Make sure to close the lid of the dye container before opening the box.

6. When done with the dye box, clean the box and gloves thoroughly. Wet everything down and take a dry towel and wipe all residuals away.

* Wet dye will become dry powder again, so make sure everything is clean!

Safety instructions adapted from the Appalachian Center for Craft fibers studio.

pt. 1: Glove box info

May 8, 2018

CERF+ “Get Ready” Grant - Safe Dye Handling Equipment pt. 1

This January, I received a “Get Ready” Grant from CERF+ to purchase a glove box for safely mixing powdered dyes. (Thank you for the opportunity!) I was recently able to clear up a workspace in my studio, set up the equipment, and begin using it!

The glove box that I purchased was a Cleatech Portable Isolation Glovebox. By mixing dyes in this box, I was able to isolate any powdered dye that became airborne, thus reducing the amount of dye in the environment and decreasing the chance that I will breathe in dye that’ll damage the respiratory system. In addition, attached rubber gloves prevented any physical contact with the dye. The portability of this safety equipment will allow me to protect my health and creative work wherever I choose to use it. 

If anyone is interested in using powdered dyes, I would recommend mixing it in a glove box or in an isolated environment!

pt. 2: Safely handle dye powder

April 29, 2018

April 28, 2018

April 28, 2018

April 9, 2018

April 5, 2018