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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 17, 2014 18:01:42 GMT
In reading various blogs lately, it seems there is a trend towards eco-dyeing of cloth and felt, and I wondered if any of you have tried it? And what do you think of it? In searching the Forum I did see one thread about eco-dyeing, and some of the results looked quite lovely; but discussions around dyeing seem to be more about the chemical dyes.
As you may have seen in my food color dyeing, I am very new to the world of dyeing and have tried neither chemicals nor eco-dyeing. Would love to know your thoughts on eco-dyes.
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Post by MTRuth on Apr 17, 2014 18:08:12 GMT
Eco-dyeing has been around for quite a while but more felt makers are using it lately. I did at least one post on eco-dyeing on the website, I think. It takes quite a bit of experimenting and work to figure out what works for you, using your plant/leaves available, the water you use, what mordants you use etc. We have a couple of forum members that are more into natural dyeing. Hopefully, they will offer you their input.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 17, 2014 18:13:10 GMT
Thanks, Ruth. It certainly does seem complicated to eco-dye, and being a city girl, unsure where I would find some of those exotic plants that are necessary to the process, other than the local florist. I follow India Flint's blog (among others) and find the whole process so intriguing. Yes, hoping other Forum members will share their experiences!
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Post by Teri Berry on Apr 17, 2014 18:23:08 GMT
I confess I am intrigued by Eco dyeing too but hear they are not light or particularly wash fast, is that true?
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Post by MTRuth on Apr 17, 2014 18:31:25 GMT
India Flint - who I would regard as the person who started the Eco-dyeing phenomenon, says that eco dyeing will definitely eventually fade, some more quickly than others.
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Post by Pandagirl on Apr 17, 2014 19:04:49 GMT
I've heard the same thing Teri.
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Post by Shepherdess on Apr 17, 2014 19:17:02 GMT
It seems to be the thing of the moment. I have seen some very nice ones but they tend to be gray and orange. Not my favourite colours. Most I have seen I do not like the patterns but that is a personal thing. There seem to be some quick methods and some who leave the cloth outside for several weeks up to months. It is supposed to be hard on the cloth. India Flint seems to be the go to person for classes.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 17, 2014 21:17:25 GMT
Yes, India Flint is definitely the go-to person for eco-dyeing, and her classes are very much in demand and difficult to get into. I've read several of her books and admire her vision and accomplishments. She favors recycling just about everything, and since much of the cloth she begins with is already used-- fading would be expected eventually.
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Post by carole aka craftywoman on Apr 18, 2014 9:08:11 GMT
I knew a woman in Scotland who was part of a mushroom dyeing group, the colours she achieved were fairly strong, she dyes wool for tapestries so I imagine the colours must be fast for them to last - she did explain the process but as I didn't write it down I can't remember. Her name is Trisha Gow here is a link to see some of the wonderful colours she has achieved. www.dyeingtoweave.co.uk/gallery.php |
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Post by zed on Apr 18, 2014 9:20:40 GMT
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 18, 2014 11:55:59 GMT
T. Kwong's post on eco-dyeing was the one I read on the Forum, and I thought her results were lovely. But as Zed said, some items end up looking like they came from the compost heap--what a hoot!
Thanks Carole and Zed for the links--I will follow up. I do like the idea of using natural dyes vs. chemicals.
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Post by koffipot on Apr 19, 2014 11:24:29 GMT
I'm a novice, but I'm having another dyeing session this weekend. I collected a large bucketful of dandelion heads which have been boiled and strained, also some Ivy leaves and twigs. I also have some dye left from last autumn, one is elderberry, the other pomegranate. I have mordanted some cotton sheeting: Firstly in tannin, I didn't have any oak galls, sumac leaves or rhubarb leaves, to thought I'd try tea. Second mordant - alum and Sodium Carbonate (washing soda). I've rinsed some of it and it's drying on the line now. The other piece is now 'marinading' in a copper solution made from offcuts of copper pipe in a jar with 50/50 white vinegar and water, they've been there a few weeks and now it's a pale turquoise colour. I'm just trying to decide what I'm going to do next. Might do a bit of shibori stitching and may also get out my wax pot and do some batik. The world is my oyster! Many of my friends seem to think I'm practising witchcraft, who cares, I'm sure I'm having more fun than they are.  |
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Post by Pandagirl on Apr 19, 2014 12:28:19 GMT
Good for you Judith! I've read the copper can be toxic, be careful. Please post your results!
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Apr 19, 2014 12:34:42 GMT
Koffipot, that eco-dyeing weekend sounds like great fun! Dandelion heads are actually obtainable here in the big city.
Did you teach yourself these methods, or did you take a class in witchcraft? LOL
Sure does sound like you are having fun! Would love to see photos, too.
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Post by felicity on Apr 19, 2014 12:48:57 GMT
I'm a novice, but I'm having another dyeing session this weekend. I collected a large bucketful of dandelion heads which have been boiled and strained, also some Ivy leaves and twigs. I'd love to see the result! "Dandelion heads and Ivy leaves and twigs" - those I have plenty! |
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