Last weekend I got the chance to try dyeing with one of the dye plants I grew from seed in my garden. Of the plants I chose to grow, my biden and marigold plants have done really well. The teasel plants are looking very healthy (the leaves are huge), but don’t yet have any seed heads, […]
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Biden Read More »
As I’ve mentioned previously, I recently joined the Birmingham Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Last week the Association of Guilds held their annual summer school. I didn’t attend the summer school, but I did attend the open day held last Saturday, where visitors could drop-in to shop at the trade fair and to view
AGWSD Trade Fair, Where I May Have Bought My First Fleece Read More »
Last month, I became a member of my local guild of the Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. The guild meet once a month, with the June meeting dedicated to a dyeing day at the home of Sarah, one of the guild members. During the day we dyed yarn and fleece with both natural and acid
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Dyer’s Picnic Read More »
I couldn’t resist – I made Paprika Patterns’ new Onyx Shirt Pattern, and I dyed my shirt with Paprika. Lisa of Paprika Patterns put out a call for pattern reviewers and I was lucky enough to be selected. This is my first attempt at the pattern, in a cotton double gauze purchased online from Etsy
Paprika (Patterns) Dyed Onyx Shirt Read More »
I recently dyed a range of yarns, some cotton, and my recently completed knitted socks, with turmeric. In preparation, I tied the loops of yarns in a number of places, and then soaked the yarn, fabric and socks in cold water so that they would take the dye better. I made a paste with a full jar
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Turmeric Read More »
Me and Phil are currently on holiday in Copenhagen:) Before we left, I managed to make some progress on my #naturallydyedwardrobe. The Bee Balm and Woad seeds that I ordered from Etsy arrived, and I’ve planted those along with the seeds I bought from a local garden centre (Bidens, Marigold, Yarrow, Teasel). They’re all planted in pots and
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Making a Start Read More »
As part of #naturallydyedwardrobe, I’ve been thinking about the plants I can gather to create natural dyes. It’s obviously important when gathering plants that you aren’t having a detrimental effect on the environment you are harvesting in. Many dyers work with a 10 – 20% rule, only taking a maximum of 10 – 20% of the
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Gathering Dye Plants Read More »
As part of #naturallydyedwardrobe, I’ve been busy buying seeds. Marigold Seeds We’re lucky to have a small garden where I can plant dye plants, but many would be suitable to grow in a pot on a balcony, or indoors. I’ve ordered six different types of seed, I had to stop myself from buying any more at
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Growing Dye Plants Read More »
As part of #naturallydyedwardrobe, I’ve been making plans for the year; what I’m planning to grow, gather and buy to create natural dyes. I’m starting today with the ‘store cupboard’ items that I’m thinking about trying. Some really impressive results can be obtained from easily obtainable food stuffs. They’re also easy to use, as many
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Store Cupboard Dyeing Read More »
Ok guys, I’ve been busy scheming and I’ve got some plans to share with you today that I’m really excited about. Lately, I’m really excited about natural dyes. There is some really exciting stuff happening in the knitting community with natural dyes, but I’ve seen less amongst sewists. I think probably because wool takes natural
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe Read More »