Total Art Soul - for artists

I am just starting to work with silks (besides silk velvet, wich is a whole different beast) I am dyeing it with procion MX dyes but am curious as to what you use and why?

I paint with fiber reactive dyes, too. I studied textile technology and fashion design at University in Zagreb, so thanks to some friends, I was able to buy some reactive dyestuff used in the industry. Silk painting is not very popular here, as it used to be, so there is not possible to buy any kind of steam setting dyes in hobby shops. Most of people who paint on silk use silk paints because they are easier to use.

Diane,
Jaquard silk dyes are really god for painting with or without resist.
This site has them.

The fabric suppliers I told you about-Qualin also sell dyes for painting etc, and their fabrics are ready to work on as they have no gums or finishes. You should however dip habotai, charmeuse and crepe de chine in hot water to shrink and press with a hot iron (when not completely dry) beforehand, if you plan to make the fabric very wet with painting, as it will shrink while you work if not pre-shrunk (but you probably know all this anyway!)

I just got a sample of sage colored dupioni (making my fiancee's wedding dress) and now I can't wait for the yardage I ordered to arrive!

Oooo, sounds exciting! Be sure to show us some photos.

Dupion is so great to work with-it does what you tell it to do!