I've recently been able to spend five days dyeing wool, seeing how the lustrous locks of my sheep take up the gorgeous colors. The weather has been mostly cooperative - not too hot for spending time over gas cookers but with plenty of sun for drying the wool afterwards.
It was nice sitting out under the big pin oak and maple trees in the front yard, getting up periodically to tend the dye pots. The bees, butterflies and hummingbirds kept me company as they flew among the flowers.
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I started out dyeing with the few natural dyes I had on hand. I like natural dyes since they are, of course, natural. However, they require a bit more work as the wool first has to be mordanted before dyeing. The natural red dye was bright but in general I find natural dyes give more muted colors.
I used Greener Shades acid dyes for the first time, happy to have non-toxic dyes (without the heavy metals) that still give the brilliant colors of other acid dyes. My last batch of wool is done and will be dried in the sun tomorrow.
I used Greener Shades acid dyes for the first time, happy to have non-toxic dyes (without the heavy metals) that still give the brilliant colors of other acid dyes. My last batch of wool is done and will be dried in the sun tomorrow.
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