Thanks for the kind words Don. I wasn't expecting this at all but now that I am on the spot I'll do what I can to introduce myself. There are many misconceptions about natural dyes and so I thought I might take this opportunity to dispel them. First of all, saving the planet or political correctness are entirely different topics. Before 1856, natural dyes were the only available dyes so that's what fly tyers used. Very few natural dyes are permanent without chemical aids and for the most part they are a lot more expensive and require a lot more effort than synthetic dyes. So, why bother with them. For me it's all about the color. To this day, people talk about the jewel-like colors of Michael Rogan's flies and in particular his fiery brown. Now I know why. Naturally dyed materials have an indescribable life to them; a glow. Even more so when wet. When I looked at some wet, crimson dyed mohair it immediately brought to mind seeing a bloodworm under a microscope. Some tyers use beads in an attempt to get that glow but to me they don't compare. Also, I especially like to tie the pre-gaudy era flies for several reasons. They have an elegant simplicity much like soft hackle flies and were, likewise, tied by practical men whose first aim was to catch fish. Only later were flies tied to please wealthy clientele. But on the other hand, today these flies can require a search for materials on par with classic salmon flies. If you read some the earlier literature on fly fishing; you find that these old time fly tyers could very particular about their materials. In those days working with all kinds of fibers was commonly practiced in rural areas. Coming as he did from County Donegal, Michael Rogan must have been very familiar with the production of tweed, which was mostly a cottage industry then. Assuming that he didn't set out to invent the wheel, he must have used the prevailing methods. This in turn led me to investigate these methods. I know that this is more than most people want to know but for me it has been a journey of discovery and a lot of fun.
Bill -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Don Johnson Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 2:15 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VFB] WAS: Something Wonderful Happened Last Night, NOW: Materials Locator Materials for these patterns can be difficult and sometimes maddening to locate but this should help: http://www.flytying.dk/ http://www.huntersangling.com/ www.anglersworkshop.com http://www.flybuyer.com/acatalog/Catalogue_Veniard_321.html http://www.salmonflysupply.com/ http://www.castlearms.com/ http://www.wwdoak.com/ Ronn Lucas also is a materials dealer and he can be contacted through either FlyAnglersOnLine or flyfishingforum.com. Additionally, it should be noted that Bill Bailey, a fellow VFB list member, is also producing some fine materials for the fly tyer. The materials (yarns, wool, pig's wool dubbing) are not only authentic from a physical point of view but are also authentic from a manufacturing viewpoint as well. These fine materials are dyed using the same processes and dyes that were prevalent in the early 1800s. To say the least, this is a difficult, painstaking and time-consuming endeavor but one that is believed quite necessary if one is to attain the exact hue as described in some of the old literature. But, so as to not start talking too much about something I know little about, I'll let Mr. Bailey take over from here.... Don Johnson ===== Not so new but still under construction: http://www.geocities.com/salmn8r/northwestcountryflies.html "Skues me while I sink my fly!" Jimi Hendrix, guitar player & wet fly fanatic. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard http://antispam.yahoo.com/whatsnewfree
