Raided Fog Lane Park for materials for another natural dyeing session.
Dumped on the draining board ready for action.
This has to be done when hubby is out - he doesn't like the insects that run out from the pile of leaves.
My method - wet pre-prepared cloth (that and the insects explains sink location).
Throw on collection of leaves, then wrap tightly round a stick.
Make sure fabric and leaves are tightly bound.
Steam for 30 mins or so.
High heat is important, so they are steamed rather than boiled.
Dried - could take days
Results:
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| Sweet Chestnut Leaf |
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| Brown Colour From Previous Dyeing With Rust |
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| Previous Helenium Cloth Now Dyed With Blackberries |
The purple colours (anthocyanins?!) will fade pretty quickly, but the browns and blacks (tannins) will last longer.
I think they are beautiful in their ugliness.
