I dye in small batches using RIT, Koolaid, Jello or other food dyes. I heat a cup of 2/3 water and 1/3 vinager in the micro-wave for 2 min. then add small quantities of dye an eye dropper.

This is enough dye for a few dozen hackle feathers or a small swatch of fur. I add the material to the hot dye bath and let it soak for a few minutes. I might repeat the heating cycle a few times if I want the color darker. I wash and rinse the finished material in mild dish soap and tap water and dry on paper towels. If I want the stuff in hurry I use a hair dryer on it. Stuff loose feathers like marabo or mallard in a section of nylon stocking and wrap the opening around a hair dryer

It's easy and quick enough that I might dye up just a dozen or so hackles for a particular pattern I want to tie. The only down side is that it is hard to repeat results using small quantities. Much easier to control things in large batches.

Dry RIT dye is made of salt crystals coated with highly concentrated dye powder. The dye strength may not be consistant in each spoonful. Mix dry dye or koolaid with 8 oz. of water to convert to liquid.