| Natural Dyes |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-310 |
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Materials: Tea
Two or more types of berries (such as raspberries and blueberries)
Mortar and pestle
Large bowls
Indigo dye (buy in cake or powder form from craft stores)
Alum
Spoon for stirring (a glass spoon can be used again for other purposes because it won't absorb the dye.)
Natural-fiber fabrics that have been washed twice
Clear-drying adhesive
Backing board
Steps: - Start with one type of berry, such as blueberries. Crush berries with mortar and pestle and place them in a stainless steel pot.
- Cover berries with water, add alum to act as a binder and simmer until all the juice is released. For indigo, if it's in cake form, grind it into a powder (figure A), add to water along with alum and bring to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Strain the berry mixtures before dyeing the fabrics.
- Repeat the steps to make other dyes from various berries if desired.
- Use fabrics made with natural fibers, such as cotton and silk. Wash the fabrics at least twice to remove sizing and other treatments.
- Moisten the fabric before dyeing. Add fabric to a dye mixture and stir with a spoon to mix. A glass spoon is recommended, but no matter what material it's made of,the spoon cannot be used again for food preparation. Buy an extra spoon or spoons to use exclusively for dyeing.
- Leave the fabric in the bath until a desired color is reached. The longer it sits, the darker the color.
- Arrange dyed cloth and paper remnants to form an interesting design (figure B). Attach to a dark backing board using fabric glue or any glue that dries clear .
RESOURCES :
Dyes and Paints: A Hands-on Guide to Coloring Fabric
Model: 1564771032
Author: Elin Noble
Color & Design on Fabric: Paint, Dye, Stitch, Print (Singer Design Series)
Model: 086573870X
Author: Home Arts Editors of CPI
(February, 2001)
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Fabric Dyeing and Printing
Model: 1883010357
Author: Kate Wells, et al
Hand-Dyed Fabric Made Easy
Model: 1564771482
Author: Adriene Buffington
Color by Design: Paint and Print with Dye
Model: 0965677613
Author: Ann Johnsto
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