Dye Results and Quick way to dye

So I couldn't wait any longer and on the weekend I washed out the cotton . It did lose its brilliant tone but still is a pleasing shade of pale copper. It will work well in a number of different landscapes.

Then I decide to see what was in the freezer that I could use and discovered a half bag of blueberries. I spread a cup full on Kona cotton rolled it up and put in the bottle with a cup of vinegar and a cup of water.

First few minutes
The cotton went in dry so I flipped the bottle back and forth a few times
24 hrs later it is looking good but I have not put it in the sun yet.I hope to leave this for a few weeks also . Stay tune....
Now the quick way to dye..... find a pot that will hold your material and water with out spilling over when simmer has gone to boil (it should not boil). Toss in the pot natural substance , in my case I had onion skins in one pot and blue berries in the other. Depending on the size of pot cover the bottom  with water or half way up to the material you wish to dye. Add a table spoon of salt or vinegar . Let simmer till the water is lighter and your fiber is dark. This will depend on the material you are dyeing and food item you are using.Do not go to far from your simmering pot. It could take an hour or just a few minutes. NOTE: one should not use the cooking pots even with natural dyeing.
 Once the colour is achieved wash in cool water and hang to dry then press.
The following are silk scarves that are for the Sussex Artist Co-op "Green Show" opening on April 22
Blueberries

Onions


I love the results.
Now to check out what else I have in the freezer or even the frig ...A bottle of beets may be interesting.... I'm linking to the Needle and Thread Network

Comments

Mary Ann Tate said…
I love the effect on the silk that you got with the onion skins. I make dolls and sometimes die the Kona using tea and coffee as I mentioned in a earlier comment. I will try this to see what I get. I don't really care if I get an even colour. If fact the mottled effect would be quite interesting for a fairy or elf.
Patti said…
Love the process of using natural products! May have to try it sometime!
Onion skins! Yes - they make the best color. : ) I did embroidery floss with it once and it sucked up that rust so well.
Thanks for linking to TN&TN!
: )
~Monika in Saskatoon
Kit Lang said…
I'm liking the onion results - the look a bit like what you get from rust dyeing!
Sheila said…
Thanks for the info on dying , I really want to try this and your fabric turned out great !
ReBecca P said…
Thanks for the comments everyone. Dyeing with what ever is in the kitchen is not only fun but safe I only use salt or vinegar for setting the dye. It really is all an experiment with great results that I like.
Regina said…
Do you have any experience with how these dyes stand up to regular washings? My kids' clothes stay stained with blueberries forever, but I had quilting cotton come clean after one wash.....

Popular Posts