Dying Goose Feathers

[Panman]

I had some breast feathers off a Canada Goose. I decided to try and dye some rather than throw them away. I was somewhat surprised at the results. The grayish dun feather became an olive color. The method used for dying is quite simple and has been posted in the past. I take no credit for developing the procedure. However here it is again in case you want to give it a try.

1. Get a microwave proof container. I use a mayo jar which has a plastic lid.

2. Place feathers, water and some dish washing soap in the jar.

3. Place in zapper and bring to a light boil, shake well and let set for a few minutes. This gets rid of the oil on the feathers.

4. Rinse feathers in a tea strainer and rinse jar.

5. Put clean feathers, several drops of yellow food coloring, water and about 1/4 cup of vinegar in the jar.

6. Place back in zapper and bring to a light boil and let sit for awhile to absorb the dye. It helps to shake it once in a while.

7. Rinse feathers & spread out to dry. I use a paper towel or a newspaper as some of the dye will stain the paper.

Thats about it - now if I can find a use for them. Of course different colors/mixtures of food coloring will produce different results.

Tim

[kbproctor]

That is a pretty olive!

[Panman]

Made a size 16 midge. You can get about 6 flies from one feather.

Tim

[lastchance]

I like that color of olive.

[kelkay]

Nice job. I have some colored goose that I bought at Hobby Lobby or something like that. Good quality. Except it doesn't have white in the bag. I need white for some salmon flies. I guess it is the shoulder they use in the bag. Need to marry feathers with white and blue swan before long. I don't have swan, so goose will probably have to do. Unless I hear of another substitute. (cheap lol)