Sheilajeanne Report post Posted August 14, 2018 Have any of you ever worked with quills? They suggest you heat the dye to help the quills absorb it. Of course, I have LOTS of leather dye, but since it's mostly alcohol based, I am not sure if heating it is a good idea! What are your thoughts? I COULD just use regular fabric dye, but it doesn't make sense to buy more dye when I already have so much leather dye! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rodneywt1180b Report post Posted August 14, 2018 I haven't worked with them. Test a couple maybe? If you don't like the results I think I would look at products intended for wool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted August 14, 2018 What I really want to know is how safe is it to heat the dye? I'm thinking it's something I should probably do outdoors, as the fumes aren't going to be the safest thing to breathe in! Instructions say it MUST be kept below the boiling point or you will ruin the quills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted August 14, 2018 Originally, quills were all died with naturally sourced colours from berries, etc. Raspberries, blueberries, dandelion for yellow, tea, coffee, etc. No problem with combustible fumes, and smell is a lot better for most. Have fun. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bullmoosepaddles Report post Posted August 15, 2018 The MSDS sheet for Fiebings Alcohol dyes warns against any open heat source. So probably not the best idea. https://www.zackwhite.com/assets/images/msds/Fiebing_Leather_Colors.pdf May I ask where one sources quills? I have a friend who was hunting some a few months ago. Also I would love to see the project when complete. Dyed quills would be awesome I think. Good luck and thank you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted August 15, 2018 It's not too difficult to find porcupines dead on the side of the road where I live. I carry a pair of pliers in my car just in case. The first one I found died during the winter up at the military base where I walk my dogs. I managed to get him just as he was thawing out, and before he started to decay. You can buy the quills on the net, but why do that when you can get them for free? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JD62 Report post Posted August 15, 2018 Try diluted food colors from the grocery store,they work pretty good and cheap with no fumes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdawson Report post Posted August 15, 2018 OK, I'll be the dumb one to ask, what the heck do you use porcupine quills for ? Mark D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JD62 Report post Posted August 16, 2018 Native Americans used them for decoration. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
