Does anyone here use plants to create natural dyes? I have a 1/2 yard of muslin soaking in pokeberry dye...and another 1/2 yard soaking in golden rod dye. I'm hoping it turns out well. I'm just curious if anyone else has done this? I know my kitchen smells strange - like scalded plant matter!
I've used tea to "color" muslin. Marigolds to color wool yarn. (pale yellow) That's about it, and they didn't hold up well to repeated washings. Funny how berry stains always stay no matter how you try to remove them!! LOL
I used to dye wool yarn with wild plants. You can mordant your fabric before putting it into the dye bath which will give it stronger, more fast color, and depending on the mordant you use, you can get a variation of colors out of the same dyestuff. There are probably books at your local bookstore or library covering dying yarn, and the same principles can be applied to fabric. Dandelion root makes a purple dye and onion skins will give you an orange gold. Have fun!
Beets make a wonderful reddish-brown dye. (I use hot water to dye) Also try onions for a brownish yellow dye. I also "set" my dyes in a cool vinegar water soak. I also soak my completed cross stitch work in a cool vinegar/water bath and then towel dry, then lightly press (on back side of adia, laying it on a towel) that way any cross stitch to be framed/mounted will resistent to thoes pesky little meally bugs.
Thanks for the info, everyone! The golden rod dye turned out great. I have a fabulous yellow muslin now. The pokeberry dye didn't work so well though....so I'm going to try again with that one!
I've spent the last hour cutting up old blue jeans for the material. I've run OUT of room for all my fabric!! AHH!
Natural dyes
Posted - Aug 18 2007 : 6:14:02 PM
