Posted on

Dying Fly Tying Materials – The Process (Part 2)

blog hendron sunburst copyGuest Blogger: Eunan Hendron, Classic Fly Tyer
Each dye manufacturer has its own set guidelines on how to use their dyes, and I strongly suggest following each guideline for the dye you choose. As you become more proficient you will know what works best and for what materials, but starting out, following the guidelines is the best route to take. For instance, ProChem and Jacquard suggest adding the dye powder then the materials to the bath, before finally adding the acid to fix the dye after the materials have taken up the dye. In this case, the dye bath remains the color of the dye. Cushings, however, recommend adding the dye, then acid, then materials, and after a period of time, the dye bath will become clear as the dye is absorbed into the materials.

Continue reading → Dying Fly Tying Materials – The Process (Part 2)

Posted on

Dyeing Fly Tying Materials – Getting Started (Part 1)

blog hendron dyes syn copyGuest Blogger: Eunan Hendron, Classic Fly Tyer

I got into the dyeing game out of necessity rather than an overwhelming desire and, to be honest, I think it enhances the experience of crafting a fly. My primary reason was the impossibility of finding purple duck quills to tie Bergman’s Jennie Lind wet fly. I searched the internet, high and low, but to no avail. Finally I buckled and bought some white quills, some lilac dye and did my own dye job.

Below you will see some images of materials I’ve dyed, and not always over a white base, a brief description of how I go about it, along with a couple of provisos lest you incur the wrath of the lady of your household.

Continue reading → Dyeing Fly Tying Materials – Getting Started (Part 1)