dyeing roundup

I am boggled by the variety of methods of dyeing wool. As easy and fun Kool-Aid dyeing is, it turns out these brilliant colors that I really wonder if I'd actually ever wear, as much fun as spinning and knitting with them is. Food coloring offers me a bit more hope in getting a better variety of colors, yet still offers that kool-aid brightness. Both of these (as well as Easter egg dyeing) use acetic acid/vinegar as a mordant, and perhaps salt as a leveler (to help the fibers absorb the dye more easily) and seem to be bleed-proof once they are heat set, in the microwave, stove, crockpot, or oven. I'm hoping! At the least, these methods are non-toxic, and you don't need any special equipment or ingredients.

I've been trying to figure out the world of "real" dyeing lately.. I want to get some darker, more consistent colors. Or, at least, something non-neon to go with the alpaca I spun earlier. My local art store* has a couple of different types of fabric dyes, one of which might work for wool- Procion MX. Only, I think it calls for alum or somethingorother for what it's meant for (fabric?/silk?), but vinegar/acid for protein fibers (like wool). I read something about it online, but it was pretty vague. For now I'm holding out for getting dye from a proper fiber shop that is meant for wool. Anyhow, I'm still a bit hesitant at this whole thing, as it will involve me obtaining more stuff- can't use the same containers to dye in as food containers. But I totally don't want to have to store more pots or pans! I wonder if I can get away with having just a single dedicated tupperware? Hmmmm.

Anyhow, this page has a lot of info on different methods of dyeing wool. And yeah, there is the whole other world of natural dyeing, but that sounds like way too big an investment for a girl living in an apartment in the city. maybe someday...

* the local art shop is typical in *most* ways... it's not too big, but they have lots of random things for me to buy- pretty paper, fancy pens, dye... It also has two resident orange kitties who continuously lay in their front window. Cute. But... as a result, the entire shop smells like cat piss.