indigo dyeing

[Neki Rivera]

i need to use the collective wisdom here.
After 9 summers i was finally able this summer to get an indigo vat going.
synthetic indigo because i gave up on the fermentation vat.
Yet i do't get the proverbial yellow color in the reduced indigo, just a wonky green. Albeit that, it's working well and there's a nice color build up, although i havent gotten to the deep dark blue yet. i've kept dipping but i'm not counting anymore.
my questions are.
is that ok or should i keep on adding hydrosulfite until it turns yellow?
i'm using washing soda as the basic .Should i use caustic soda instead? or
is this a case of if it ain't broken dont fix it?

thanks very much
cheers,
neki desu

[marion barnett]

Sorry, can't help with this one, got very little experience, and what I have, I've had with woad. If you get no help here, get back to me, I'm part of a natural dyeing list, I could ask on there on your behalf, or send you the info about joining...

[Kathleen]

Have you solved this problem? You indeed should be getting a green color when your fabric comes out of the vat and gradually as it oxidizes it will become blue. An amazing process to watch. Indigo does not soak INTO the fibers of the cloth, but rather sits UPON them. So with each dip you build a deeper color. You should wait until it completely dries between dips, a time consuming process, however this is not always the case. I have been using indigo for a number of years now, which does not make me an expert, but I may be able to help you if you are still having trouble. Let me know, I hope that you have had some success and have not given up.

[Neki Rivera]

thanks!
this summer i went along w. a fermentation vat which was kept all summer long to various degrees of success. the whole process was documented in my blog. there's so much conflicting evidence circulating that it makes the whole thing quite confusing.plus fermentation and powdered( synthetic) indigo processes are totally different with different color yields.
however with the knowledge i gained next summer i will tackle my precious 250 grams of sukumo.