One concern of fiber-artists who are also parents of small children is the toxic nature of many fiber and cloth dyes. Most chemical dyes are very toxic, and many natural dyes are not safe around children. However, there are several household items which will dye protein fibers like silk, wool, mohair angora, and other animal fibers just fine. These are the acid-based dyes used in food stuffs. The most common brand names are Kool Aide (or a generic equivelant) and Jello. You probably have them in a drawer in your kitchen right at this momment!
These dyes add color to protein fibers through the citric acid in the mix used to give it flavor plus a bit of vinegar acting on the food grade dye. With the addition of low heat, some cheap wool yarn from a bargain store can be specialty dyed just about any hue. And junior can help!
Materials:
skein of wool yarn
1 packet sugar free KoolAide mix or box of jello
two Tablespoons of vinegar (more if the dye doesn't set)
two cups of water
For each skein of wool you will need at least one packet of sugar free Kool Aide, or box of jello. Wash the yarn to remove any conditioner that may be in it. Set it aside.
Mix the Kool Aide or Jello in stainless or enamel sauce pan. Stir in water and vinegar. Some people add a dash of salt to help add color with blue tones. When fully dissolved put on the stove until it reaches a simmer. Add the wool yarn and distribute evenly in the pan. Mordant is not needed.
If the acid (vinegar) is high enough, the yarn will instantly take on color. If it resists add more vinegar to the solution. If you still don't get color, the wool isn't a natural wool but some sort of artificial substance, most likely a mislabeled acrylic. Real wool will take on the dye with little prompting.
To find out additional koolaide techniques check out the first article at Space Dyeing with Koolaide
Have fun and let the kids try too! My son has a wonderful woolen hood we dyed one afternoon with koolaide that just looks great.
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