Around the time of the last new moon, I noticed some rosehips left on an Eglantine rose bush, Rosa rubiginosa. I'd just read that Eglantine is a good variety to use for dyeing. The rosehips were dried up but I thought it was worth a try as the skins still looked quite red.
Silk organza was layered with the broken-up rosehips and then misted with vinegar.
It was rolled up tightly and fastened with a rubberband, then placed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
When it was unrolled, I brushed the plant matter off and ironed the silk immediately thinking the heat would set any color. Then it was rinsed and dried. The mottled color was a total surprise, so soft and muted. It reminds me of latte art.
Here it is beside the same silk organza dyed with onion skins. I think it's lovely. Just imagine using rosehips in the autumn when they are fresh -- I can't wait to see what color they transfer then! Does anyone know?
Now, I'm going upstairs to make myself a latte!
i love the surprise of revealing the results of something new tried. this one was a definite success. the silk organza died with onion skins is beautiful. never thought of using the onion skins on organza. think that will be one of today's projects with a little secret twist.
ReplyDeleteDeanna, oh me too -- it's addictive.
ReplyDeleteThanks and I'll be watching for your results!
I love the eco printing because it's not real messy and gives such great results! Of course, I'm new to this so I've never tried dyiing with rosehips. You know, maybe I will take that amulet purse if you still have it. It keeps rolling around in my head, and then I thought if I saw it at a thrift store, I would probably come home with it. my e-mail is: rzhs@intouchmi.com. Let me know. Thanks.
ReplyDeletelove what the rosehips gave you! i'm wondering if the bundle needed to be boil to give more color?
ReplyDeletedo you need the email address to send the little bag, would love to finish it!
ReplyDeleteOh Send it to Herm if she wants it. I was just going to try to take it to play with but she will probably really finish it.
ReplyDeletelovely earthy tone and texture.
ReplyDeleteso, ironing makes a difference in
setting the dye?
very good to know. is this only with
silk?
thank you for sharing!
Herm, no I didn't boil it although if there had been zero color, I may have tried steaming it with some alum water. I used vinegar as a mordant and the only heat was from the iron.
ReplyDeleteOK, Helen, I was just going to suggest a coin toss! Herm, it'll be on its way to you tomorrow morning!!! Thanks to both of you for having interest in it.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I feel the same about eco-dyeing -- if I had to mess with chemicals, etc., I'd steer clear of it. But who knows where all this will lead us?
ReplyDeleteCristina, honestly I don't know -- it's all experiential -- here's the first time ironing changed the color for me, again with silk: http://womanwithwingsblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/elder-cloth.html
ReplyDeleteIn the comments there Nandas from Three Clay Pots says that heat can change things...now I always iron just to see if something happens!!
I love it Peggy. I always get a surprise visiting you. I did the onion skin dyed too and it was successful, but rosehip there a thought - thanks for sharing - Hugs Nat
ReplyDeleteI just read about rose hips as a dye too. I think I've got a few dried ones to try...
ReplyDeleteNat, glad you like it -- you've probably got fresh rosehips right now, don't you?
ReplyDeleteDeb, same wavelength!
ReplyDelete