First Eco-Dye for the 2015

This is a great way to start the New Year. I spent hours studying the blog posts of Terrie-Smiling and think it’s going to pay off. She is so open and sharing with her techniques. I tried the rolled up milk carton core wrapped with the silk covered in plastic wrap, and steamed it. The finished piece is not  pretty but it’s getting close to what I want. Better than that, IT WORKED. Yay! The red leaves at the left are poinsettia, then oak leaves, and I think the middle leaves are Bradford Pear, then more oak leaves . Eager to try more.

Scarf is about 12″ x 72″

                                    Detail

Eco-dyeing via India Flint

After reading Eco Dyeing by India Flint and since I live out in the country of the Ozarks, I’ve become interested in what colors/dyes are available from local plants. Here is my trusty old stainless steel dye pot from my weaving days of dyeing yarns. I’ve place jars of fabric with various plants into a water bath in the pot and boiled it for many minutes. These are the results from yesterday on silk.

  

Dark, almost black pansies

Red Sumac leaves

Dark purple petunias and orange marigolds.