Dye question

[Billy2]

I am still trying to get a nice 'washed out' coral coloured hen saddle cape and hope that someone can help a dying newbie.
Firstly what dye might be good for this and should I dilute it more than the instructions say or just leave it in for a shorter time to get a 'washed out' effect?
Secondly I am looking for a hen saddle with black tips on the feathers that will take the dye, any thoughts?
The original cape came from one the Whiting lucky bags and was used for a salmon fly that managed a couple of fish and I would like to tie a few more.

Billy

PS If you've still got the 'Laxadale Shrimp' Scratch can I have it back

[arkle]

Whilst there ar quite a few options on the make of dye , both the dilution & the time in dye bath will have an effect on the colour. As will the hardness of the water used & the temperature. If you have hard water, dyes do no penetrate so well, so you can add some water softening crystals to help this.

The type of cape/feather you refer to in the second part of your thread is a black laced white, often from a wynadott (? spelling) strain of chicken. Steve Cooper has sold the loose feathers before now, I don't know if he still has any though.

[Fish8MyFly]

billy i could send you one of your shrimps back if you want it??
Ali

[Former member]

Billy
I have a few of these tyers grade packs and I am sure I opened one to use a certain feather and am sure there is a black laced hen piece still in it, will check and pm back. With regards to the washed out coral, are you wanting it on the pinky side or orange side?
Cheers
Gerry

[dun09]

[QUOTE=Billy2;630937]I am still trying to get a nice 'washed out' coral coloured hen saddle cape and hope that someone can help a dying newbie.
Firstly what dye might be good for this and should I dilute it more than the instructions say or just leave it in for a shorter time to get a 'washed out' effect?
Secondly I am looking for a hen saddle with black tips on the feathers that will take the dye, any thoughts?
The original cape came from one the Whiting lucky bags and was used for a salmon fly that managed a couple of fish and I would like to tie a few more.



Ask Gerry (ruthvenflyfisher) i see hes replied

[Billy2]

Originally Posted by Fish8MyFly

billy i could send you one of your shrimps back if you want it??
Ali

Sorry Ali but the one you have was only an attempt at the original. If I get the hackle right I promise I'll send you a couple that will sort out the sea trout onthe Gress

Billy

[Billy2]

Thanks for the replies.
Arkle- That's the hackle, though I think a heavy Grizzle might do at a pinch. Soft water up here, so should be ok for dying.

Billy

[Fish8MyFly]

Originally Posted by Billy2

Sorry Ali but the one you have was only an attempt at the original. If I get the hackle right I promise I'll send you a couple that will sort out the sea trout onthe Gress

Billy

haha, cheers billy,
Ali

[Flyfishing-UK]

Hi there, a washed out coral is never the easiest colour to achieve. Please post up how you get on with it, good luck. Temperature is a factor well worth experimenting with for your coral.