Pre-reduced synthetic Indigo adventure

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We were up to something today.

We have in hand instructions for creating a synthetic Indigo vat into which we will sacrifice 2.7 meters worth a fabric, more specifically a size 2 Didymos baby wrap. I wasn't comfortable with anything longer just yet . . .



And the tools.



Lye is not required with Pre-reduced indigo, instead soda ash is used and the indigo breaks up more easily.



First we added Thiox to 6 gallons of water, then the Indigo. Once the Indigo is added to the Thiox a strong reaction occurs and the bath emits an ammonia smell.
This is why we are masked. After this initial reaction the smell lessened, but we had the exhaust fan on and the windows open the whole time anyway.

Next, dissolve the Soda Ash into hot water and add it to the bath stirring slowly in one direction as not to introduce oxygen into the vat.




Then, we skimmed the "flower" off the top of the bath and saved it, it contains valuable Indigo and should be returned to the Vat after dyeing.
Natural Indigo Vats can last many generations if properly maintained, a synthetic vat can last a few months I believe (we'll see).

Let the vat rest for several hours, tightly covered, before dyeing.



The goods have been washed on hot with synthropol and soda ash.
It is important to introduce the fully wetted goods to the bath carefully to avoid introducing any oxygen into the vat. Oxygen is the enemy!
The colour of the vat should be a clear yellowy green colour.

The plunge!



Submerge the goods and manipulate the folds underneath the surface.



After only two to three minutes we removed the goods being extra careful not to let any drips fall into the vat. You can squeeze and wring the goods under the surface to avoid extra drippings.

Then we let the wrap oxidize for 15 minutes.

(we repeated the 2-3 minute dip a second time)



And after 15 minutes I thought it looked good and was contemplating a second dip (as with natural indigo you can build up the depth of colour with subsequent dips).

Note how in the picture above the water surrounding the wrap is yellow-green and below it is indigo blue—oxidization!



But then I lifted the wrap . . .
A big lump does not allow proper air exposure.





Time lapse . . .




Did I mention I threw in a few more items? The sweater and tee were dipped twice, the two tanks were dipped only once.



Backside of the sweater after 15 minutes.





And we are rinsing!






Aaaaaand . . . it's a bit dark.



The instructions said rinse on hot multiple times (like, one-thousand), and wash with Ivory Soap.  Ok, will do.



Waiting . . .


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But you don't need to wait, fast forward to dry shots!