Little coccoon


Welcome to my backwards post!

Although I have not yet purchased India Flint's book Eco Colour (nor have I purchased her follow-up - Second Skin); I did attend a talk by her last year, and from what I remember, it seemed the process was as follows: grab some plants, roll 'em up tight in cotton, silk, wool or other natural fibers, cook 'em, and let them hang around for awhile. Open them up and be amazed and astounded by their beauty!




I'm probably wrong (or mostly wrong) about those instructions; but since I had a handful of cherries that had gone off, lots of dyeable fabric (I've been scouring charity shops for old tablecloths and white cotton sheets - tops only of course - and I have a big bin of such cloths so far); I dampened the cloth and added some clover, hosta leaves from our garden and some clematis windfalls and wrapped 'em all together. 

I don't know whether the hostas or the clematis will give up any of their colour, but I've had clover stain clothes in the past, so there's some hope from it at least. 

I also seem to recall that there's something about salt water or vinegar or something in there too so I've probably missed a really important part.  (oops!) Oh well, it's all an experiment until I get 'round to buying India's book so caution to the winds and all that.


I seem to remember that the "cooking" process was a good steam - so I steamed my little bundle for two hours.  And I have some vague recollection that you have to let the bundles sit around for a few days (from Arlee Barr who may be using a TOTALLY different method in her eco dyeing than India Flint); so I'm gonna combine (?) the two - and let my little cocoon sit around for as long as my curiosity can stand it.

And then, together we'll see whether I've got a little brown moth or a pretty, pretty butterfly on my hands.

Photobucket

Kit Lang

3 comments:

  1. Oh wow - is this a new trend in bloggerland? Maybe you would like to check this one out: http://workingwall.blogspot.com/2011/06/ew-yuck.html
    But I have to admit, I tend to look at the colourful flower leaves of my geraniums and consider the possibilities ... so maybe, one day ... just never say no ...

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  2. Love your daring spirit! Just jump in and go!

    LaDonna

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  3. I think this is a way I'd like to try dyeing fabric. I've put the book on my wishlist so maybe I will get it for Christmas!

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