The list encompasses all the elements of dyeing. Change one of these elements between dye sessions and you might find your colors change, maybe subtly, maybe dramatically.
Fabric
- Mercerized or not?
- The same weight?
- The same type?
- PFD? Scoured?
- Wet or dry?
- Fabric pre-soaked?
- Added with dye?
- Added after the fabric has sat in the dye for a bit? How long?
- How old is it?
- How accurately does your scale measure?
- Did you strain colors that are known to freckle?
- What was the temperature of the water used to make the dye stock?
- Did you use the same measuring utensils?
- How did you mix the dye stock? blender? shaking the bottle?
- How old is the dye stock?
- If it isn't fresh, how was it stored?
- What strength is it?
- Did it come into contact with any soda ash?
- How hard is your water? Did you add metaphos?
- Did you add urea?
- How aggressively did you manipulate the fabric?
- How many times did you manipulate the fabric during the batching process?
- Some dyes settle out easily. Did you stir the dye stock before adding to the fabric?
- How did you arrange the fabric in the container?
- Did you use the same sized containers?
- Did you add salt?
- What was the ambient temperature during batching?
- How much liquid was in the container during batching?
- How long did you batch for?
- Was the batching fabric pressed down or free floating?
Each dyer finds his or her own best practices. Keeping notes helps remind you what you did, especially during a hectic dyeing session.
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