years ago i started the same way, but quickly found out that reaching a colour uniformity requires some practice and methodology.
dip dying is one of the ways to reach uniformity in colour compared to daubers. this has 3 cons imho: 1 - requires more dye, 2 - it gives all the pigments into the leather, 3 - a limitation in process - you will get one colour (no antiquing or playing around with colour combination - exclusion is paints, such as angelus). did not work for me most times.
so i came up with getting hands of using sponge technique (you can control the sponge size and surface square).
personally never liked the idea of dilution (just because it is not a wood/metal paint which is required to be diluted), but it works of course.
now working on airbrush technique