New Indigo Dyepot

On Saturday the Scenic Valley Handweavers gathered at the same Civic Center where we had held our Woven Shibori lesson the week before.  Everyone had prepared for the day by finishing the weaving, knotting the pull chords and soaking their scarves overnight in water.

We had our normal meeting first and then went on to the actual dyeing.

I had prepared by exhausting the old dyepot and while cleaning out the pot discovered a hole in the pot - only actually noticed when I scrubbed a blob of what I thought was indigo from the inside, but it turned out to be rust!!  Luckily we were passing through Cleveland (TN) and I was able to pick up a replacement 5 gallon pot.  The last one had lasted about 7 years, with most of that time full of indigo dye solution, so I can't complain.

I use the pre-reduced indigo powder for times like this as it is quick and uses relatively easy chemicals (Thiox and Soda Ash) to activate.

I showed the group how it was prepared/mixed and we retired back inside to wait the 15 minutes or so that it takes to develop.  Unfortunately it wasn't so - after 15 minutes it was still only just starting to turn a fairly light green and no copper bloom on the surface.  We waited another 15 minutes and saw a bloom starting to form but not really the rich dark green I have experienced in the past with the same volume and mix. Two things are likely to have contributed. 1. the indigo powder was a little old (although stored with the minimum of oxygen or moisture exposure) and 2. the source of water at the Civic Center is unknown so may have been high in something.

Anyway the mix did continue to darken so with a couple of dips for each scarf we were able to proceed.

5 minutes in the pot, 15 minutes to oxidize - repeat...

First dip and just out so still green.