| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Cathryn |
DyesI have today washed about three fleeces (and made no impression on the fleece mountain). I would like to dye them before felting into rugs and I was hoping to use natural dyes but they require boiling don't they? Can I do this first before carding (must remember to borrow the drum carder) or is it just going to cause it to start felting?Alternatively I could buy some cold water dylon dyes from the bulk buy we are currently doing. I fancy going for greens and using copper coin mordant. |
| sally_in_wales |
you can cold dye with natural dyes, it just takes longer  You should get a decent olive green using weld or onion skins, layered with the fleece and with a glug of your copper coin mordant, in a big bucket or bin, and just let it sit for a few weeks. Skim off any mould as it forms, and be prepared for it to smell a bit odd. Stir gently when you feel brave enough.
Or, if you have a huge jam pan you can hotdye the same stuff in a few hours, just don't stir it to avoid felting the wool and be prepared to have to card the patch colours together into a coherent shade later on
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| Cathryn |
Thank you, I will try both.
And probably order some Dylon ones as well. I was torn between calling this thread dyes or just Coooeeee Sally! 
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| sally_in_wales |
same effect 
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| Cathryn |
Nettles? I have lots of nettles.
(Seem to remember it is a bit wishy washy?) |
| sally_in_wales |
only ever done small batches in nettles, was ages ago and I recall it being an ok olive, but wouldnt like to comment with any authority. |
| wellington womble |
OK, I'll bite. What's a copper coin mordant (or, how do you make copper coins into mordants!) |
| Frewen |
I think you steep coppers in vinegar for a few weeks and the resultant liquid is used as a mordant. |
| Cathryn |
hint hint
I have seen alum used in natural dyes but haven't tried the copper myself yet. |