In April 2018, I bought a beautiful Romney fleece from Lochan Mor Farms in Cato, NY. It was a bit muddy, but we'd had a "build an ark" rain all spring, and it rained in the days before shearing. The shearer did an amazing job, so there wasn't much I needed to do before… Continue reading Bailey’s Fleece: Romney
Category: Natural Dyeing
Natural Dyeing with Acorns
Acorns are extremely versatile. They are full of tannins which will dye plant fibers a pinkish-brown. With an iron dip, the pinkish-brown turns a pretty grey-black. The color you get will depend upon the fiber you are dyeing. In this project, I'm dyeing a 60% linen/ 40% cotton blend. Linen takes a bit longer to… Continue reading Natural Dyeing with Acorns
Dye Study on Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye Weed grows along the roadside and power line corridors in Central New York. This patch is just across from my house on the edge of a marsh. Many dyers have gorgeous photos of themselves walking through the woods in flowing dresses carrying willow baskets and artistic shears. I would love to be… Continue reading Dye Study on Joe Pye Weed
Spindles In the Wild 