Iowaflyguy 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2006 I have a friend who is going steelheading and wants some egg sucking leeches in a hurry. I don't have any purple hackle and even if I order from mad river outfitters I won't get it until Thursday. So I thought I would dye up some hackle I have on hand. I have found that dyed feathers, i.e. marabou, tend to bleed when using very bright colors red and oranges etc. These are commercial feathers (hareline) but can ruin a good fly. Does any one know a good way to "set" the dye to avoid the bleeding. I probably need to buy the book but I can't get it today. The good thing is that the whole fly except for the egg is purple so a little bleeding won't hurt too much. Any advice will be appreciated and implemented immediately. Thanks Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Worstcaster 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2006 Sorry no dyeing advice, but I know Walmart sells little fabric balls with a cardboard center in their craft section. This might make a good substitution. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe Hard 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2006 If you do a search here you will find lots of helpfull information, search is in the header at right, ( blog help SEARCH members calender), near the top of the forum page. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Beatty 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2006 Hi Tom, I use white vinegar to set dye. Good luck & ... Tight Lines - Al Beattty www.btsflyfishing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iowaflyguy 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2006 Thanks everyone. Al as usual you are a fount of information. -Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2006 Would using black hackle be out of the question? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
