Category: DYES

Anti-microbial Effects of Natural Dyes

Anti-microbial Effects of Natural Dyes Natural dyes are a good thing. In my research, I came across numerous research studies that have been done in the past several years about dye plants and their effectiveness against harmful microbes such as: Escherichia coli Sarcina lutea Proteus vulgaris Bacillus subtilis Klebsiella pneumoniae Staphylocccus aures Enterococcus faecalis Saccharomyces … Continue reading “Anti-microbial Effects of Natural Dyes”

Plant Dyes and Your Health

Did you know that textiles dyed with plant dyes can be good for you? As a part of my personal search for a healthier lifestyle, I am on an ongoing quest to learn more about natural plant dyes, their uses and how to achieve the range of colours that plant dyes can produce. In this … Continue reading “Plant Dyes and Your Health”

Flame of the Forest Dye

Flame of the Forest Natural Plant Dye Butea monosperma for 100 grams of fibre 20 grams Flame of the Forest Dye Powder Put Flame of the Forest into dye pot. Let simmer in dyepot for +1 hour at 50 deg. Add pre-mordanted wool yarn and sample fabrics. Let simmer in dyepot for +1 hour. Remove … Continue reading “Flame of the Forest Dye”

Eucalyptus Leaf Dye

I gathered some Eucalyptus leaves during a recent visit to Corfu. Eucalyptus makes a wonderful dye, both from the leaves and the bark. I dyed both wool and some cellulose fabrics (linen and cotton) To make the dye, I used 50 grams of Eucalyptus leaves and put them into a dye pot filled with water. … Continue reading “Eucalyptus Leaf Dye”

No-Nylon Sock Knitting

Since I had cancer last year, I have spent time examining how I live and what possible environmental effects could have had an influence on getting this disease. I have had to change many things in my life and to examine what foods I eat, the types of fabrics and clothes that I wear, the … Continue reading “No-Nylon Sock Knitting”

Apple Leaf Dye

We planted an espalier apple tree 2 years ago when we moved to our new property. This year we had our first successful apple crop. Every fruit tree needs occasional pruning. When you prune the small branches – do not throw them away. Both the leaves and the twigs and branches can be used for … Continue reading “Apple Leaf Dye”

Raanu

A Raanu rug was traditionally a flat weave weft faced handwoven wall hanging that was sometimes also used as a bed covering. The warp is made of cotton rug yarn or sometimes linen yarn, and the weft is woven of multicoloured fine wool yarns, often a single ply. The weave structure is a repp weave … Continue reading “Raanu”

Hazards of Loom Dust

My studio is filled with weaving looms of many sizes ranging from large floor looms, to 4 shaft table looms, band looms and inkle looms. If you are a weaver, you will have noticed that during weaving, dust bunnies collect under the loom. In the past, I haven’t been too concerned about this except to … Continue reading “Hazards of Loom Dust”