We have 18-inch wide hat veiling along with the standard 9-inch. The wider veiling is available in White, Ivory and Black.  It is offered in two variations. The first is made over the same pattern as our standard veiling and sells at $5.50 per yard. The second style is from France and has a larger weave, although still in a diamond pattern. It is $10.00 per yard.

     Wider Veiling Link

This is a lovely tri-woven horsehair braid, approximately 1/2-inch wide x 144 yards. It works up nicely creating a scalloped effect on the hat and comes in a number of colors. We also have a bright turquoise cello braid, also known as onionskin. This is a vintage braid, approximately 1-1/2 inches x 36 yards. Hat Braiding

There are other new and vintage braids also listed on the website. We've selected only the two to showcase here.

Color to Dye For

Dyeing straw can be fun and very rewarding. Whether you use Rit Dyes or professional dyes it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Good results can be obtained using Rit dyes and their website is packed full of valuable information. My preference is Procion fiber reactive dyes and the following guidelines are for using these dyes.

(Note by judith: Procion fiber-reactive is a dye type, not a brand name. Many companies offer it. Rit color tends to fade over time and if you are serious about your craft, purchase professional dyes. Visit our Links section for online resources. Dye Sources)

THE METHODS

The most common methods are either tub dyeing or by using the washing machine. My preference is to tub dye. I work in the kitchen and use the sink for prewash, after wash and final rinsing. Its nice if you have 2 or 3 pots going with different colors in each bath. 3-5 straw capelines can be added to one pot at a time. You want the material to move freely.

If you plan to use the washing machine you'll need to adjust your dye, salt and soda ash amount to the volume of water that your washer uses. When using the washing machine method - definitely stitch the edges first using the zig zag stitch on the sewing machine. Trust me on this - the edges will fray if not basted!

Tub dyeing:

For 1 lb of dry fabric use 3 gal of water, 3 cups of salt and 1/3 cup of soda ash fixer. The soda ash is added at the end. Dissolve the soda ash in water before adding to the bath. It is recommended to remove your material from the bath first, add the dissolved soda ash, and then replace the material. The amount of dye to be used will vary depending on the color of dye and the intensity you seek.

Dharma has lists and guides for each color to help you select the amount of dye to be used. Follow those guidelines. Typically one level tablespoon for 1 lb. of dry fabric. Some dyes require 2 or 4 times this amount to get deep shades. Use hot tap water, allow the salt to completely dissolve. Always mix your dye in a separate container, add hot tap water to dissolve and then add to the bath. Make certain the dye has completely dissolved before adding to the bath. And add the fabric last.

The amount of time you leave the material in the bath will result in varying shades. Want it darker? Leave the material in the dye bath for a longer time period.

A basic supply list:

• Procion dyes - available at Dharma Trading (their website is also packed full of great info)

• Synthrapol: Synthrapol is a detergent that washes out any impurities in the straw prior to dyeing and is also used as an after wash - Do not skip the prewash or you will get spotty and uneven results. Rinse material in clear water before adding to the dye bath.

• Soda ash fixer - Soda ash permanently fixes the dye to the fabric.

• Reduran - This is a special hand cleanser to remove the dye from you skin. You don't have to have it but you'll be glad you do especially if you put your hands into the dye bath as I often do.

• Enamel pot - Like the ones you would use for home canning. (Try your local hardware store). Keep this pot to use only for dyeing, do not use one of your regular kitchen pots.
  

• Salt - Buy salt in the 3lb boxes. Salt helps the dye migrate into the material. Using more salt will allow more dye to adhere and you'll get a deeper color.

• Vinyl gloves

Tips:

• Wear old clothes.

• Keep the straw immersed in the bath for more even results and occasionally stir the material in the bath.

• Do not overheat the dye bath as this can kill a color.

• Take notes of all the steps you took and cut a swatch of your results - You'll be thankful later.

• Never add dry material to your bath. Always prewash with a mild detergent before immersing in the dye bath.

• Follow your selected dye product instructions.

• If you don't like the results, most times the item can be over-dyed to a darker color.

Experiment and have fun! The more times you dye the better you will get at achieving your desired results.

Mary Ann Koch