There's been some interest in dyeing recently so I've put a step by step together. It's such a huge subject so I've only really covered capes/saddles.

Anyways, here it is. It may take a while to load as there's some big photos.

If there's any glaring errors please point them out.

Thanks Midlander that is a great step by step.
I have tried to dye capes in the past to no avail - apart from making a mess!
I think I will have another go at it but this time with your set up and directions.

Jim

Many thanks Hogork. They say a picture says a thousand words and hopefully with that basic step by step and the recent excellent posts by Mike you'll be happily on the rocky road of "just the right shade" addiction.

Excellent step by step on dying, really pleased to see this. It is much more scientific than my own method, and obviously does a much better job.
I will have to see what I can scrounch off the missus, although I think I will have to buy the scales, I do not see her indoors being too happy about me using her scales!
Sam

Jim

Your ment to kill the hen and skin it before trying to dye it.

PS

Very well illastrated Midlander will be having a go myself to.

If you are adept with them, disposable chopsticks are a useful tool for stirring, turning and removing feathers when dyeing at home.

Also, in case no one else mentioned it, cover all nearby surfaces with newspaper and wear an apron and rubber gloves to avoid stains to surfaces, clothes and hands.

all the aforementioned info is a bit too involved for a beginner...can the same results not be got using cold dyes?...and if so where would anyone recommend buying them?

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Baltic. If you take a peek at this thread, Mike posts some info on cold dyeing.

In reality, if you buy a pot of Veniards dye it gives you very basic instructions in the packet. When I first started dyeing I followed those and got reasonable results.

Step 1) Soak and degrease your feathers.

Step 2) Bring water to the boil in a pan.

Step 3) Add as much dye as will fit on the end of a pen knife (I used a tea spoon).

Step 4) Let water cool to simmer, add cold water if necessary. Add your vinegar.

Step 5) Put your feathers in the basket and add to dye bath.

Step 6) Watch your feathers until you get the right shade.

Step 7) Wash feathers in cold water and dry them.

This is very simple and will give good results. It's pretty much stick it in a pan, don't let it boil and watch for your shade.

The step by step I've provided is a bit more convoluted but gives consistent results. I found that reproducing a shade is a fair bit harder than producing it in the first place, hence good note keeping of all the variables.

Cold dyeing will still require that you degrease your feathers, measure your dye and watch for your shade for good results.

Are the Dylon range of dyes(the ones in the wee metal pots) suitable for dyeing furs and feathers?

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