Well, I’m working through the backlog of photos in my to-be-blogged folder! One of my goals has been to start using organic fabrics. I finally found some white organic cotton sateen that wasn’t too expensive, and put a couple of yards through some side by side tests with 2 of my usual PFD (prepared for dyeing) fabrics as well as some non-PFD Kona muslin. I dyed all 4 fabrics in the same dye pot for the single color ones, and side by side for the painted fabrics. The single color fabrics are dyed to test the fabrics ability to allow patterning and mottling to happen as well as overall uptake. The painted fabrics are dyed so I can really see the fabrics ability to support color movement and mixing.
Yes, I was VERY disappointed. Seriously, WTF? I really did not expect to see such a marked decrease in color saturation. Granted, the fabric is NOT marked as PFD, but I (wrongly) assumed that organic fabric would have less processing, thus less chance there’s some finish that would interfere with the dye uptake. I’ve been emailing someone who has dyed this sateen in the past, and she says there’s some sort of soy softener they use in the finishing process.
So, the search continues!
6 Responses
Did you pre-wash the fabrics?
Gosh they all look good enough to eat to me, lol!
WTF indeed! I bought some cheap stuff from Hancock’s once that dyed like that (it’s great for sunprinting though) but I wouldn’t expect that from an expensive fabric. Organic fabrics are nothing if not expensive! Honestly, I have been incredibly underwhelmed with organic fabrics in general.
No I did not prewash, and you’re right I should try that! However, it doesn’t solve me problem of finding a PFD organic fabric – because adding another step of washing to my process is wasteful in it’s own way – but thanks for that simple test to try!
HAve you thought of contacting the supplier… and complaining . Possibly showing them the photos other other fabrics in comparison to theirs. It wont reduce your frustration but they might have an idea/ change their processing? Sorry to see how disappointing the results are – I can see why your disappointed.
Remember that this ISN’T being sold as PFD, I knew that going in, and was just hoping that there wasn’t any finish on the fabric because it was organic!