Asking for More Info on Dying Kilt Hose

[Woodsheal]

American black walnut hulls will yield a very nice brown, but I don't imagine you have alot of walnut trees there!

And, colors derived from natural dyes will generally fade over time, from exposure to sunlight, and laundering. They're not as "fast" as modern chemical dyes, which you can get at your drugstore, and work great. Look for "Rit" brand dyes - very easy to use right in your washing machine....

[cavscout]

I've heard of people using white vinegar to set the dye. Here's a web site that outlines it pretty weel

http://www.amherst-antiques-folkart....ooking_Dye.htm

[neo71665]

Chewing tabacco lends a rich dark brown. I can get black walnut shells if the price is right

[O'Neille]

Tea is a little different. It actually gets a little darker before it starts to fade. Think green tea...if you leave it out overnight you have tea colored tea the next day. Just remember not to put your hose in boiling hot tea. Let it cool until it is very warm, not hot. I've never had a problem with it coming out. I just soak them and let them dry.

Here is a great site for natural dyes http://www.pioneerthinking.com/naturaldyes.html

[Wompet]

Cavscout & O'Neille,
Thanks for the links. I've been planning on doing some fabric dying prior to making the next kilt, and those sites will help with some of the details.

[JimB]

Ron,
Be careful with the natural dyes. You're in the right place to check out some of the navajo dye charts that they sell at the trading posts. A lot of things give some suprising colors. Sage may not give you a green that you'd like.
I'd agree with the suggestion to go with the RIT dyes.
Tea is an intriquing idea though.

Just as an aside, I had no problem finding brown hose at the local Scottish shop. The color I'm having trouble finding is grey.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

JimB,

Try asking for oatmeal, which to me appears grayish, but on the beige side.