These are the dye recipes I use and refer to in my blog.  They are from Color By Accident by Ann Johnston.  I highly recommend this book.  Color By Accident is my favorite dyeing book and is a good basic book for beginners in dyeing.

Soda Ash Solution

Dissolve 9 Tbs Soda Ash in 1 Gallon warm water.

Dye Stock Concentrates

Dissolve 2 to 4 Tbsp Urea in 1 Cup of Warm Water. Add 2 Tbsp of Dye Powder.  I use 4 Tbsp of Dye Powder for black.  You will occasionally find other colors that special exceptions other than black such as Turquoise.  Exceptions are generally noted on the brand of dye color chart.