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Ian33568

Natural Dye

Has anyone made natural dye - how easy is it and do you always have to fix it?

What plants / substances are readily available?

Is it worth making just to dye a couple of items?

Confused Thanks
sean

Sally will know. She's not usually around much at weekends though so you may have to wait for an answer.
sally_in_wales

Didnt I do an article on it? I'll have a rummage. Anyway, what colours are you after and what do you want to dye?
sally_in_wales

Mini overview here, but let me know what you fancy dyeing and I'll try to be more specific
http://www.downsizer.net/Projects/A_sustainable_home/Dyeing_-_the_basics/
Ian33568

Thanks Sally - really useful article.

I am wanting to home dye some cotton sweat shirts that were purchased during my 'Biege Period' Laughing Laughing
sally_in_wales

Ok, cotton takes dye rather differntly from wool, so you will need to bear that in mind when you do it. Any idea what colours you fancy?
wellington womble

There's a lovely little book called 'A Dyer's Garden' around somewhere. It's only a little book, but it's all things that you could get really easily, and it has a colour guide on the side of the pages as to what to expect with different materials and mordants. I cancheck the author if you like?
hedgewitch

wellington womble wrote:
There's a lovely little book called 'A Dyer's Garden' around somewhere. It's only a little book, but it's all things that you could get really easily, and it has a colour guide on the side of the pages as to what to expect with different materials and mordants. I cancheck the author if you like?


Yes please Very Happy
Ian33568

sally_in_wales wrote:
Ok, cotton takes dye rather differntly from wool, so you will need to bear that in mind when you do it. Any idea what colours you fancy?


Just natural shades really - from dk yellow to orangey or browns to purples.... Confused
Frewen

wellington womble wrote:
There's a lovely little book called 'A Dyer's Garden' around somewhere. It's only a little book, but it's all things that you could get really easily, and it has a colour guide on the side of the pages as to what to expect with different materials and mordants. I cancheck the author if you like?


That book looks rather nice - I can feel an order coming on Cool
wellington womble

Rita Buchanan - I can't find my copy though. I suspect it's by the bed - it's that sort of book.

amazon temptation
sally_in_wales

Ok, what about onion skins? A nice rich golden yellow and very very easy for a first go. Best to mordant but you can get away without if you accept it will fade over a few washes.
marigold

I borrowed that book from the library recently - it's fabulous Very Happy .
Ian33568

sally_in_wales wrote:
Ok, what about onion skins? A nice rich golden yellow and very very easy for a first go. Best to mordant but you can get away without if you accept it will fade over a few washes.


Was leaning towards this one - thanks...it can't spoil anything so I think i'll have a go tshirt
Jam Lady

Here in New Jersey the local wild-growing walnuts are black walnuts, Juglans nigra. Walnut hulls, even the little ones falling off the trees right now, give a substantive (non-fading) brown dye. No mordant needed. Will also stain your hands, any clothing it spatters on, etc.
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