Fiber Arts Friday-Sumac, Goldenrod, Marigolds..Oh My!!

Natural dyeing is such a wonderful experience. Every step is enjoyable from gathering of the materials to the finished product. I have become quite adapt at identifying plants that can be used for dyes and even have had a few surprises in my quest for dyeable materials. For example, the Cornus Kousa Dogwood has beautiful pink berries. I wondered if these would be a good source for dye. I was surprised to learn that these brilliant fruits are edible!

The berry that is used in dyeing is found on the Red Osier dogwood.
I have not yet tried to dye with the Red Osier berries. However I did do plenty of dyeing the other weekend with a friend, Darlene. We choose sumac blooms, goldenrod, marigolds and indigo to dye our fiber. Darlene had spun up quite a few skeins of polypay and a few alpaca. I played around with locks. Here are our results:



That about rounds up my fiber week. Why don't your pop on over to Andrea's blog for more adventures in fiber!
Location: Ada, Forest Hills, MI, USA

Comments

  1. pinkundineOctober 14, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    That's so cool. I've only ever dyed yarn twice, both times with Kool Aid, so seeing the beautiful colours that can be achieved naturally is awesome :)

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  2. Marushka C.October 14, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    I will have to try the marigolds, we definitely have plenty of those. It's nice to see the natural dyeing getting more attention -- lots of new books out and re-issues of some of the classic ones.

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  3. Dutch HollowOctober 14, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Never would have thought to dye with those! Great idea and love the bright color!

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  4. Spinster BethOctober 14, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Oooh I have lots of marigolds ... great idea, thank you!

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  5. PaulaOctober 14, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Wow, that turned out beautifully! I had no idea you could dye yarn with marigolds...

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  6. Kathryn RayOctober 14, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I haven't done any dyeing, but I am moving toward giving it a try... someday. :-)

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  7. WonderWhyGalOctober 14, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    I love that yellow yarn. I really need to experiment with natural dyes...especially with so much nature surrounding my farm.

    Happy I Love Yarn Day!

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  8. Via Verde FarmOctober 15, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    We should all get together and do a big natural dye day! Those of you that live far away can stay here for the weekend!!

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