Hanging out to Dry

Different stages of the process. 

The white ones have been soaked in soy for a couple of days and will be left to dry for approximately a week. 

The others are further along. 

They were recently opened after a four hour steaming and will dry for a week or more before they are washed and ready to go.

T Shirts in the Works

T-shirts in the works. 

The colors will be less intense once they dry, but there are some nice prints here. 

I soaked a couple of the cotton shirts in soy milk overnight before bundling and the pink from the eucalyptus is brighter on those, so I will have to continue to experiment with the soy.

Clothesline Scarves

Subtle and Clear Prints

Maple and Wild Geranium

Shades of Purple

First time dyeing with Cochineal Beetles

My first attempt with cochineal beetles. 

They should emit a red. 

I however, used iron as a mordant which clearly alters the color. That's okay.
                  

Patience

I unwrapped this late yesterday and was disappointed because the maple leaves weren't clear, but by this morning either I could see better or some magic happened during the night.

Walnuts

Walnut hulls often produce a most beautiful deep brown.

Wrapped and Ready

Left, bundles wrapped and ready for the walnut hull and eucalyptus dye pot.

Below, opening a bundle that was steamed. I see sumac and eucalyptus and coreopsis.

Thrift Store Finds

I have recently been dyeing thrift store finds. I look for natural fibers and when I find a silk shirt I'm happy, because they are to dye for.

My mom said to me on the phone yesterday, "Have fun dyeing tomorrow!" Then she said, "I don't really like saying that."

I know. I'm not that funny.

Scarves