| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 3:24:34 PM
Im making a new rug and needed alot of yellow but in different shades for a big sunflower. I wanted it muted, shaded & kind of stripped in differnt areas with a light sunset orange color. Well, all day I have dyed ALOT of wool but the funny thing is what I used, Food coloring, it gave me the prettiest shades I ever imagined. I had nothing else on hand & didnt want to venture out so I thought I'd give it a try & I love it! The colore are perfect. Tomorrow I'll be at it again.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kim |
Posted - Apr 03 2007 : 08:09:10 AM
You should, I really think people would be interested. I remember my mom dying Easter Eggs with natural things. To a kid, the colors were funny, but I'm glad she did it.
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
"Go confidently in the directions of your dreams; live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." - Henry David Thoreau
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://midwestmusings-kim.blogspot.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 03 2007 : 07:28:32 AM
What I have done in the past is to teach what plants a person could grown to use in dyeing but also as a way to make extra income from the sale of those plants to dyeing stores. Also a lot of the dyeing plants also work for those of use how use them in holistic medicines. I use also the animals natural colors in many of my products and love what mother nature produces in the way of color. I am right now surrounded by consumers who have no desire to do things natures way and I thought maybe that was no longer desired. Thanks for everyone weighting in - I think I will place some on my blog or etsy site and see how it goes. Have a great day.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
| Kim |
Posted - Apr 02 2007 : 12:28:32 PM
I think people would be interested in the natural stuff too. The place I got my roving at, had a woven rug made of all natural wools. I don't even think they were dyed. It was so pretty.
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
"Go confidently in the directions of your dreams; live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." - Henry David Thoreau
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://midwestmusings-kim.blogspot.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Apr 02 2007 : 10:36:38 AM
thanks Grace, I am getting help from a wonderful farmgirl on here as soon as Im ready, bless her heart. I've got a few sights Im visiting, again thanks to her. I dont know if she wants to be named so I havent yet, but she will get all the credit.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 01 2007 : 7:01:24 PM
Michele, I am all thumbs at this computer thing. I wished I could have someone who lived close be in charge of that for me. The last time I tried that thou (with a friend no less) when she had a melt down it almost went to court to try and get all my paperwork, and computer lists back. Ever since then I have keep away for the computer but too many customers wanted to be able to reach me so I am giving it a try on a small scale until I understand it more. Be brave - if I can get started you can too.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Apr 01 2007 : 3:33:55 PM
I want to get pictures up before my web-site but I am NOT very computer savvy, working on it though.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Phils Ann |
Posted - Apr 01 2007 : 11:26:24 AM
Grace, your fiber is awesome. Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures! Michele, you and Grace just amaze me, using natural dyes!
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Apr 01 2007 : 09:30:37 AM
OH, fantastic. Wow. You make this sound so pleasant...I wish I had time to take on another art. I think the idea of offering your naturally dyed fibers for sale would be a hit. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks about doing what you do, the time, where to get the material, and then stops daydreaming. You could help so many people enjoy it! I hope you do and have success! I have a loom I bought in a hopeful moment, but it only works dust.
We make a difference. |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Apr 01 2007 : 09:15:50 AM
Grace, your work is so beautiful. The colors.......what can I say. Marybeth
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 01 2007 : 09:01:56 AM
Thanks so much for the kind words. I really LOVE what I do. Today I have Angora Bunny Fur in the dye pot. I just can not wait because the feel of Bunny is to die for. I might even get around to doing some Bamboo. I just received my huge box of natural dyes yesturday and might even place some of them on my etsy site. I have not in the past sold natural dyed on line and am not sure if anyone would be interested. What do you think Ladies?
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 31 2007 : 2:06:10 PM
your fibers are beautiful Grace. I can't believe you got Snow for $20.00, bless you for keeping him alive.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Mar 31 2007 : 1:51:03 PM
I just posted another creation of fiber of mine of the blog site. This is a great combination batch that I just love. The feel of this is beyond words. This is what makes me get up in the morning. Happy dyeing.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Mar 31 2007 : 12:04:01 PM
Hi ladies, I have never posted pictures on this site but if you will go to my blog site you will see the Mohair that I finished dyeing. The colors turned out darker on the camera but I think you get the idea. There are some lighter tones in this batch but I am not the best camera person. I so love what I do. I wish there was a way in which you could feel how wonderful this fiber is. Snow is also a sweetheart. He came to me from an auction that the guy who was bidding on his was going to make food out of him. I could not let that happen so ten years ago I purchased him for $20.00. His fleece has brought me great return but his friendship is priceless. Hope you like the look into my dye day. Thanks
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 9:17:30 PM
Thanks so much Michele! great site!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 11:24:17 AM
Grace, isn't it wonderful? It's such a 'natural high" for me. Keeps me grounded & so appreciative of all things natural.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Mikki |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 09:25:59 AM
Yes please take a photo! I'd love to see it. Sounds very pretty.
~~Blessings, Mikki Jo
http://burningmeadowsprings.blogspot.com/
http://strawberriesnapronstrings.blogspot.com/ |
| Kim |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 09:13:46 AM
Please take a photo!!!
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
"Go confidently in the directions of your dreams; live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." - Henry David Thoreau
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://midwestmusings-kim.blogspot.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 09:03:31 AM
Yesturday I finished dyeing Mohair raw fiber from one of my weathers. I dyed in romatic colors of cantelop, rose, deep magenta and three greens. It turned out great! I was to put it on my etsy site but I think I might have to keep it for myself - not sure! Good luck with your yellow and have fun.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 04:56:27 AM
Rhonda, thers tons of info out there. Here is a good one to start with www.pioneerthinking.com/naturaldyes.html
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 12:11:23 AM
Thanks so much ladies! I have avoided dying wool because of all the chemicals in the dyes. I've heard horror stories about fumes and reactions... Sometimes the process sounds too much like science for me! I've been told that all hookers eventually become dyers...so maybe this is a good way to ease into things. Any good links online where we can see examples using plant material? Thanks again!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 29 2007 : 04:43:01 AM
I still use vinegar most times, I find the smell disapears ather quickly, so far I have no problem w/ it. Today Im going for a light sunset orange to ply w/ my yellow. 
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Tracey |
Posted - Mar 28 2007 : 10:37:21 AM
Food color can make some nice, vibrant colors! What are you using as a mordant? I tend to use citric acid as I don't end up with the smell you do with vinegar.
Visit Quiet Storm, our adopted Mustang! http://wildaboutquietstorm.com
http://carpentercreek.blogspot.com http://mustangdiaries.blogspot.com http://marbletownangels.blogspot.com
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| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 28 2007 : 05:32:19 AM
thanks for the site, I love new ideas. Im dying yarn that I already spun and rovings and doing it 2 different ways. For different results I use cold water w/ vinegar & dye & leave it for a few hrs. it gives a muted light beautiful yellow. Another way is to just put the yarn in hot water & let it settle itself (I dont push it down)while thats going on I heat the dye bath (which will consists of about 8 to 10 oz. of wool) about 1 cup vinegar & enough water so the wool has room to move, then I add the food coloring in by drops & that depends on how dark or rich you want it. Sometimes I add 20 drops or 30 or more, sometimes I had 10, depends on what your looking for. If you add less you can always add more.Then you heat it to a slow simmer for about 30 to 45 min. or until fiber absorbs the dye. You'll know when most of the color is gone. Then let it cool, rinse wool in hot water usually only once or twice is all it takes to rinse, water will be clear. Squeeze excess water out GENTLY so it doesn't felt & dry it. I put mine on a screen to dry that hubby made for me so air circulates but before that I used pegs that I hung.Also you can dry it on a towel & lay it flat.
This recipie came from a spin-off issue from summer 2004, I never used food coloring before. Its great. You'll change a few things after playing w/ it & do what works for you. I have the most beautiful shades of yellows, muted yellows, dark, light & they are beautiful. Also McCormick gives recipes for different colors on the back of their box. Its easy & fun plus non-toxic & great to do w/ kids. Also I have MANY recipes for dying w/ natural plants, thats all I've ever done, more time consuming but SO MUCH FUN.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Txfarmgal |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 9:12:51 PM
Michelle, sounds like you had fun today! You can also use Kool-aid and that gives some pretty colors as well. Also at a ranch I do some website work for she has some rovings with yellows and oranges that you can take a look at on www.mcranch-tx.com. I can't wait to see a pictures of your rugs!
hugs
angi
Angi~wife, momma, 4H leader & Txfarmgal -Be Joyful Always 1 Thes. 5:18
http://www.etsy.com/your_shop.php MommaNMe Country store |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 8:57:47 PM
Michele,
Sounds LOVELY! Are you dying yarn, rug wool or unspun wool? I have never tried using plant materials. I'd love to give it a try this summer. Have you had any experience overdying wool yardage using plant materials? I'm imagining soft muted colors that would be great for some of the things I do. Im curious, is this method pretty color fast? Any hints, recipes or other advice you can share with us? Thanks so much!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
