Friday, September 16, 2011

out of the dye-pot: red amaranth

The red amaranth solar dyeing seems to have been successful after more than a month outside in the sun. Yes, that's right -- more than a month. It's a pretty big deal for me to hold out that long.

Within minutes of being exposed to air, the cloth began to darken -- I assume it was a reaction from the rusty iron bolt in the center of the bundle. In those same few moments, one of the pups scooped it up and had it halfway unrolled, it smelled so wonderful, you know.





I see a lot of potential for this little cloth. As a tree trunk or for a stone effect. The speckled areas might be nice for feathers or a beast. Or nine-patched. What will it be? Come to think of it, what will I be?

Happy weekending. xo

14 comments:

  1. Ha Peggy, love the amarant, such special flowers, but the "slush" that remains áfter the dyeing ....
    Interesting prints on the cloth (will find it's way to some stitching piece ;-) ...)

    ReplyDelete
  2. fabulous print. so many possibilities.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just have to find something in my yard to dye some mohair! What will it be??

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a neat idea!? I've never seen this before-but it definitely looks like something I'd like to try!

    Thanks for popping by my blog! Have a great weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Els & Deanna, thanks, it's going to be fun to find uses for this very unusual (for me) cloth. There was a time when I would've thought it a stained rag and thrown it away! How things change....

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cindy, what color would you like the mohair to be? Maybe it's right there in front of you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tauja, thanks for coming by -- eco-dyeing is great fun and makes use out of plant matter that normally goes unused and, in some cases, helps save stained clothing that would turn into rags. Happy weekend to you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow! Okay, I'm trying the amaranth again. And I will be patient. And find those iron shavings my dad gave me....

    ReplyDelete
  9. a month! i'm trying to make it to a week! it turned out fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I also have a hard time not peeking after a few days, but your cloth has inspired me to be patient. Gorgeous markings on the cloth. Keep having fun!

    ReplyDelete
  11. That is stunning, so natural. I love it.x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Deb, it's worth another go -- I really wonder now what would've happened without the iron -- would it have stayed red? I may do a boiled bundle before the weather gets too nippy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Cindy & Jeannie! Well, since it was solar-dyed, it had to be quite a long time...and it was out of sight being outside and all. In the house is a different matter, I pick up the bundles in their plastic bags and squeeze 'em or drip a little vinegar on, etc. -- just can't leave the things alone! Of course, I don't write any of it down. My goal is a dye journal.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Trish, thank you so much -- its destiny is yet to be determined!

    ReplyDelete