Landscape Dyes

We now stock the Landscape Originals and Elements range of easy to use dyes from Australia. This provides a set of 62 mixable colours.

This is an easy to use one pot dye system. No preparation or added chemicals are needed with the exception of using a little domestic a vinegar when producing strong colours or working with silk. Because the dye formulations are bulky it makes the measuring out much easier.The dyes give excellent results when used with steamers or microwaves as well as the traditional cooker heat in the pan methods.

Instructions for use are given at the end of this page

• Each 100gm pot will dye 1 kilo to full strength colour

We are currently offering a discount on all Landscape Dye pots:

Special packing and handling charges:

1 pot: normal charge (based on value) £2.00

2 to 6 pots: £3.00

More than 6 pots: normal charge (based on value) applies.

The Original Range

The 32 Original Bright strong colours in the Landscapes Dyes for Wool will also dye silk, nylon and all intermix. Landscapes Dyes have been developed to give a professional colourfast result with a simple dyeing method.

Instructions for use are given at the end of this page

Full instructions are provided with the dyes. In they can be used either by the stove top pan methods or equally well in the microwave. No additives are needed except for a little vinegar to obtain strong shades or when working with silk.

Primaries: Wattle, Desert Pea, Grevillea, Marine & Opal provide a good extended palette.

Colours inspired by the clarity of light and the unique natural beauty of our Australian landscape. Landscapes have been developed to give a professional colourfast result with a simple dyeing method. Based on a spectrum format and uniform strength - Landscapes encourage the dyer to use colour as a flexible medium - to be mixed and matched, strengthened and weakened to suit  your needs.
Colours are based on dyes with good to excellent fastness properties.
Landscapes will dye wool, mohair, alpaca (protein fibres), silk or nylon either as fleece, spun yarn or fabric.

Sampler Kits

If you want to try out the dyes before making a larger purpose or want to get started in dyeing these kits will get you going. They would also make great gifts.

Packed in a plastic zip wallet  with full instructions and protective gloves, ready for anyone to use. Each kit is made up of 15gms of each colour.

Elements Range

Instructions for use are given at the end of this page

30 beautiful colours inspired by the elements of the Australian environment.

Sampler Kits

Instructions for Use

To start your dyeing you will need -
1 dye pot which can be heated - stainless steel, aluminium or enamel 1 stirrer- wooden, aluminium or stainless steel. Non food container if using the microwave
Rubber gloves
White vinegar (If you are dyeing silk or to clear the dye bath)
Method
First wash fibre in warm, soapy water to remove any grease or gum. Rinse clean. ~Start your dye bath with enough warm water to generously cover the fibre. ~Decide how much dye you will need and dissolve it in hot water. Add this to dye pot (make sure it is completely dissolved). If you're dyeing silk you will need a teaspoon of white vinegar to aid exhaustion of dye. White vinegar can also be used at the end of your dyeing to help the last of the dye to exhaust onto the fibre. ~Place fibre into dye pot, turning gently to distribute dye evenly. ~Bring dye bath slowly to just below the boil, turning fibre regularly to avoid unevenness (this is most important in the first 5 to 10 mins). Maintain temperature for at least 30 mins. The dye will eventually exhaust onto the fibre. During this time check that it is completely submerged & give it a gentle stir. When dyeing time is completed and fibre has reached the colour depth you require, remove from dye bath and rinse a few times in water. Squeeze out excess water and if there is still dye coming out, you may need a warm soapy wash as well.

This method can be adapted to using your microwave. It is not possible to give specific instructions as microwaves vary in power output. Suggest that you use the normal method first and then experiment with heat settings in your microwave. Always use containers reserved for dyeing only and clean out the microwave after use. The dyes are not toxic.
By reducing the moisture content in the microwave container dye solution can be applied by syringe to selected areas of the fibre/yarn to produce a random rainbow effect.

Handy hints to avoid felting
The two things that wool doesn't like are: 1. Too much movement in the dye bath. 2. Extreme changes in temperature Avoid too much stirring, just gently turn fleece. Don't plunge fibre from a boiling dye bath into cold water.
Take temperature down slowly in warm water.