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Introduction
A year ago when I ventured into this project, I never thought I would be able to see "volume 2" of G&S NEWS but here we are. In the past year you could say I have changed the way G&S Dye communicates with its customers. The most obvious change was how everyone knows your name. This initial warm reception opens dialogue with our customers and has only improved how we respond to your needs. In 1996, I made it a mission to improve our collection of books. Our 47 different books (increase of 18 this year) now cover a wider gammit of interests and techniques and I intend to continue to search for more. This year's goal is to improve our paintables line. Currently limited to fabrics, scarves, T-shirts, bags, aprons and ties, you should start to see a wider range of additional items in the coming months. If you have any great suggestion drop me a line, I would love to hear about it. Take care
Basic Dyeing - (Part 1 of 2)
Everyday someone always asks about dyeing this fabric, object or garment. My personal favorite "I've spilled bleach on my clothes, how do I dye over it?". This two part series will try to give you answers on how to dye the most common items around along with some trickier ones. Part one will introduce the dyes used in the market. Part two will be on Dyeing Tricks & Techniques. Different fabrics and weight of fabrics absorb dye at different rates and intensities. This creates difficulties when you try to match colours or try to achieve uniform results. A variety of fabrics also require different types of dyes and chemicals to assist in the dyeing process. Natural fabrics tend to be the easiest and safest to dye. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, acetate, or lycra are more difficult due to the natural water resistance of the fabrics. Synthetics also require more heat and stronger chemicals to assure successful dyeing. The most common fabric is white cotton. Cotton dyes extremely well and uniform. It is when you add blends that things get complicated. Cotton fabric or T-shirts can easily be dyed with any store bought dye (Dylon, Deka or Cushings), but for best results reactive dyes (Procion MX) will yield the strongest colours. Procion MX Dyes also dye every type of natural fibre (rayon, linen, hemp, silk or wool) but work best on cellulose fibres. They are warm water dyes (dyed around 35oC) which is advantageous for finer fabrics. The ideal dye for protein fabrics (silk and wool) is acid (Country Classics). Even though reactive dyes work on these fabrics, the colours are usually not as brilliant or clear when you use acid dyes. The "acid" in acid dyes refers to the chemical assist that you use to activate the dye reaction. Acid dyes have one drawback, in that they are hot water dyes and must be dyed over a heat source (stove). So how difficult is it to dye using Procion MX or Country Classic? Over the past few years we have simplified our immersion instructions quite a bit, to the point where dyeing is as simple as following a cooking recipe. If you are interested in receiving these instructions, we shall be glad to send you a copy by mail, fax or email. PART 2: Dyeing Tricks & Techniques UPDATE
Expected to be launched early in the new year, our new and improved web site with simpler navigation, faster downloads and new features prominently displayed. The most exciting additions are the customer gallery and on-line contests. The Customer Gallery is a place for you to view the wonderful works of our customers. This is also a great place to contact the artists, as every piece of work will have a direct link to the artist through email or their own personal web site. If you wish to be added to the gallery, please contact me at gsdye@interlog.com to get further details.
Questions and Answers
Q: What are the differences between a dye and a paint? A: The following table lists all the different characteristics of both. It should help you understand the strengths and limitations of both type of colourants
NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are starting off with 100% cotton canvas bags, aprons and lunch bags. These three cotton canvas items are ideal for painting, stencilling or screening onto. The cotton bag is 14.5" x 18.5", and the lunch bag is a cute 8" x 5" with a convenient velcro strap.
Three sizes are available. They are 6-8, 10-12, and 14-16. They come in white and a few basic colours. Please inquire on colour availability. For other Shirts.
Simple and Elegant Brush Rest. The perfect little accessory that adds just a touch of uniqueness to your work area. Made of fine bone china and imprinted with a dragon motif.
SALE ITEMS
Over the past few editions, I have introduced and offered a wide range of fabrics for sale. Always pleasing one group of customers but disappointing others with the wrong fabrics to put on sale. This edition all coloured fabrics are selling at bolt price. What discount does that represent? Most of our bolt prices are from 10% to as high as 23% off the cut price. Please call us for colour availability and exact sale prices.
A few examples;
Monthly SALES These may only be monthly sales, but they are just as appealing as the fabric sales.
Colour Scarf Blowout!!!!!
Silk Painting Guild
In the last issue we mentioned that Rita and I were interested in starting up a silk guild. We actually plan to meet in late January or early February. If you are interested please contact us at (416) 596-0550. If you had responded to the last edition of G&S News, we shall be contacting you for time, date and location of the meeting.
The shown frame (Diagram 1) uses four L-shaped metal corners with two screws each to stabilize 1"x1" wood arms. By sliding the wood arms to the length and width required, you will be able to quickly change the frame size. The silk is attached using suspension hooks (Diagram 2). They are three prong hooks attached to the stretch bars with rubber bands. The hooks are very fine so they do not damage the fabrics.
A complete frame with all the corners (4), hooks (24), elastics (bag), and wood (78"x2, 55"x2) is $60.00. This frame can paint fabrics up to 45" x 60". You can always purchase longer pieces of wood to accommodate larger pieces later on.
Tips On Marbling
1) How to make your colours float well in marbling? If colours sink into the size, the colours might be too cold, the base might be too thin OR the colours might require a little thinning. To thin the colours add a few drops of Lissapol ND Soap into the Colourless Extender. Add this solution drop by drop into the colours and test until they start floating. To make the marble base
thicker, mix separately a very thick solution then add it to the
thin solution. Do not add powder directly to the thin solution since
it contains ammonia and the powder will not dissolve properly. 2) How to do the wave technique? There are two ways to achieve the molten lava look. One is to lay the sheet of paper down in a gently waving motion instead of just straight down and the other is to get someone to rock the bath container while the paper is being put down.
CLASS PROFILE: Dyeing Techniques Workshop
On January 25 and 26th, 1997 (correction from 24 & 25) we are pleased to announce a two day dyeing course with Betty Conlin. Students will start their dyeing experience by learning pertinent information about using and handling the dyes. We shall cover different immersion techniques for creating even colour distribution, colour gradations, mixing colours, mottled coloured, visual textures, over-dyeing, textural effects and discharging. All these techniques are hands on and multiple pieces will be completed.
Betty uses her fabrics for quilting and new information will be discussed on how to create spectacular fabrics that can become the focal point of a piece of artwork, a quilt or clothing. For other workshops. Corrections
New Books
G&S
NEWS is designed to be an Store Hours
email:
dixon@gsdye.com
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Framing is an essential part when direct application
is involved. An evenly taut fabric aids in one's ability to accurately
design and work. Special suspension tools can help save time and
frustrations as opposed to pinning. By allowing the user to fully
adjust the frame, it alleviates the need to build a separate frame
for each size of work. A suspended piece also allows you to paint
right to the edge of the fabric. Both these points are advantageous
when it comes to working with fabrics and scarves.
