It Is Good To Be Back

I try to post as often as possible during the rust-dyeing season which here in Madison, WI is mid April to mid Oct. I did a rust dyeing activity this week I think you should know about. Through the store at Rust-Tex.Com someone ordered a packet of rust dust. It is used with tannin, rust flakes and a rusty pan to make what I call "Stormy Skies" fabric.

Stormy Skies Fabric

I had rust dust but it was not bagged up and ready for sale so I decided I would bag some up in the indoor Rust-Tex studio in the basement as it was too cold to work in the outdoor Rust-Tex studio on the deck. I put on a dusk mask as I usually do and started to process the rust dust. I noticed it settling on EVERYTHING. My laundry room is the next open space over from the Rust-Tex studio so I quit after I had enough rust dust to make a 1.5oz bag. When I blew my nose I knew it was time to invest in a respirator!!!

I did some research on what kind to buy. I went out that night and bought a particle respirator. I was able to work outside the next day. After fitting the respirator carefully to my face I made 7 bags of rust dust and 12 bags of rust flakes. When I blew my nose after an hour and a half the tissue was perfectly clean. Good investment!!!