This is my third attempt at naturally dyeing yarn - I used old fustic this time. I did not use the solar method, but went the really (really) long way about it - making a dye bath, using a mordant separately, and dye the skeins The difference between the two skeins is the mordant.
I was really hoping to take proper notes to be able to replicate the process. However this is not possible at the moment - babies waking up when you are about to start the dyeing, or feeding time happens when you need to need to stop the mordant bath. I reckon the solar method is better suited for my life - because I can leave it as long as I want and it will be fine.
Nevertheless I am really pleased with the result. I think the lighter skein may become socks, I am unsure about the brown skein, maybe a beanie hat, to leave me time to think about it.
I bought all that I needed from wild colours in the UK.
Has anyone dyed yarn with fustic, what were your results? I am not sure I should have really ended up with the brown one. I love how naturally dyeing is so unpredictable. However my aim is to make all this process more predictable - but the way I am going about it, it will take a loooooonnngg time! I am really in awe of the dyers out there who can dye several skeins the same colour using natural elements.
How fascinating that mordant can make such a huge difference, Nat! I haven't attempted much in the ways of dyeing myself, so with (bigger) babies of my own I appreciate your comments about solar dyeing being better suited to this particular stage in our mothering lives. I look forward to seeing what you make with this lovely yarn :)
ReplyDeletep.s. I love your "measuring" spoon!
DeleteThis looks so fun to do. I have a base skein of fingering that's crying for color.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference! I love both colors, Nat!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous khaki colour you got! Amazing how much difference the mordant can make!
ReplyDeletewhoa, a huge difference between the skeins! I bet they would look lovely knitted up together in a stranded design. Your experiments with dyeing (and while having young kids!) Is very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous colors. Great job Nat!
ReplyDeleteI love both of these colors. It must be quite fascinating to dye your own yarn and see how the colors turns out. I'm sure it will knit up beautifully.
ReplyDeleteHaven't used fustic, but I'm hoping to have a go at gorse this week. Yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this too. I am in the same boat, Solar dyeing may be best suited for me. You make me want to try this so badly!!
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