The Effects of One on the Other

These are the original dyed wools. Left to right, they are dyed with Pro Chemical, Cushing, Kool-Aid, and Majic Carpet dyes. Angela Possak recorded the changes in the wool when exposed to the sun over a period of three months.

We all know the good and bad sides of our wonderful sun. We love it and can’t survive without it, but we also dread it and the damage it can cause. Therefore, we have to protect ourselves and the things we possess from its rays. Everything in the sun’s path fades over time—including our hooked rugs—so be mindful of where you place them.

I decided to do a home study on the effects of direct sunlight on dyed wool. In this study, I exposed the dyed wool to direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day over a period of three months. I photographed the dyed wool twice a week, and from those photos I picked two from each month. I included a picture of the underside of the wool as well, to show the depth of the sun’s penetration.

The dyes used were Pro Chemical, Cushing, and Majic Carpet. These three dyes are acid dyes and are formulated for use in dyeing wool. I also included Kool-Aid as some rug hookers are impressed with the brilliance of its color.

This article is from the March/April/May 2014 issue. For more information on our issues, check out our issues page.