FLYMPH FORUM

I was given a pile of white saddle and a lifetime's worth of natural mallard, I'd like to dye some of it a blue dun (light to medium-ish). Does anyone have a dye solution that would get me to that particular shade that they could share?

Thanks,
Mike

I'm no expert in dying materials, but have dabbled with some RIT dyes (readily available at Walmart/Jo Anne Fabrics/Michael's/etc).

Here is a copy of the latest RIT Dying Formulas: The PDF file shows many color combinations and the specific RIT dyes colors needed to get certain combinations.

Source: https://www.ritdye.com/color-formulas/

Good luck, and let us know how you make out. Take some pictures along the way, and let us know what works and doesn't.

Have fun!

Much valuable info on dying feathers in this book by AK Best. Published 1993. For example. Medium dun from white hen feathers.
4 tbsp Rit pearl grey #39
1 tbsp Rit tan #16.
Just as important, he covers how to handle the dyes.
There is also a second edition which may be better.

I have both editions. There is little difference in the the text. Either edition is fine. The one thing that makes me prefer Cushing Acid dyes is they separated the wool from the cotton dye years ago into two separate lines. RIT is still a union dye so their dyes contain both. I Ike to dissolve the entire packet of dye. That way I can add it in increments to the dye bath.

https://www.moonlightfeather.com/Cushin ... r-dye.html

Veniard sells Blue Dun and Olive Dun dyes.

Charlie

Mike62 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 20, 2020 12:40 pm I was given a pile of white saddle and a lifetime's worth of natural mallard, I'd like to dye some of it a blue dun (light to medium-ish). Does anyone have a dye solution that would get me to that particular shade that they could share?

Thanks,
Mike

Mike - Good luck with your dyeing mission!! Two other colors to try: black walnut husks for brown, and mullein for golden dirty yellow. Black Walnut husks will give you a shade of brown without equal...


Dana

Now he tells me... I had access to Black Walnuts all my life; my NH grandparents had half a dozen trees in the backyard. After they died we sold off the NH property and my walnuts were no more. Black Walnut trees aren't much seen this far north. Mullein on the other hand can be found up here! I remember you mentioning that plant before. I wrote it down this time. Thanks, Dana.

wsbailey wrote: ↑Mon Jan 20, 2020 3:39 pm I have both editions. There is little difference in the the text. Either edition is fine. The one thing that makes me prefer Cushing Acid dyes is they separated the wool from the cotton dye years ago into two separate lines. RIT is still a union dye so their dyes contain both. I Ike to dissolve the entire packet of dye. That way I can add it in increments to the dye bath.

https://www.moonlightfeather.com/Cushin ... r-dye.html

...and, it's a Maine company to boot. I didn't know about them, thank you for the link. Callahan Booksellers has a couple of good copies of AK Best's dyeing book and I've ordered one.

The RIT dyes are ones I can find up here, I think. There's a WallyWorld down in Presque Isle, I'll check them, too.

Thank you, everybody; I appreciate the help!

The top right mohair is dyed with walnuts. The others include yellow.

For years , the squirrels in the neighborhood have been leaving walnut husks on my deck and patio. If I didn't get them picked up quickly, I would have terrible stains. A few years ago, one of the squirrels decided to lop off a few young bonsai trees I had on the deck. Somewhat pissed, I bought a pellet rifle to harvest a few skins. I think I'll harvest some of the walnuts this year to dye some materials.