Natural Dyes From the Backyard

by Suzanne Jenkins

  Lichen Chapter 14

  Lichen

  & Betty gave me a grocery bag full of soft bark she'd picked up off the ground while walking their property in the Michigan woods. The pieces were covered in green-grey lichen. I found information about dyeing with lichens in the book by Judy Mc Grath and the Cornell University Mushroom Blog, my favorite.

  It's important to remove as much of the bark and dirt from the lichens as possible. I just took my time. It was tedious, but so worth it.

  There are several methods for extracting the color from Lichens. Most propose soaking the lichens in ammonia for three weeks. I soaked them, but only for a few days. I placed two cups of lichens in a quart of clear ammonia. The ammonia turned a dark, rust color.

  I strained it, and added more ammonia for another soak. I then added the rusty colored ammonia to two quarts of water. I had read of the 1.2 ratio in McGrath . I added the wetted out wool roving and loose mohair fiber and brought it to a simmer for approximately one hour. The color is so fabulous; the mohair is a rusty auburn and the rovings were several different shades of rose and rust.

  Nuts Chapter 15

  Nuts

  Nuts yield brilliant, rich colors from the palest taupe to almost black. I use nut husks that have fallen and left behind by critters. I use gloves for this reason...also to prevent my hands from getting stained. I don't smash the husks completely but soak them for weeks. When the liquid is ready, it will be a deep brown color. I strain it and add my skeins. I bring the temperature up to about 180 F and leave it for an hour. Leaves and bark from nut trees can also be used. Note: Walnuts do not require mordanted yarn, another fun reason to try it.

  About the Author

  About Suzanne Jenkins

  Since 1975, Suzanne Jenkins has used plants and weeds found on her family farmstead for dyeing. Go to her Lakeshore Textile blog for more information about workshops and current works. http://goo.gl/1OKoI

  During the past thirty-eight years, Suzanne has been a weaver, knitter and spinner, worked as an Operating Room Nurse, owned a successful yarn shop which is still in operation in New Jersey, and has written and published books available on Amazon. http://goo.gl/kxaFa

  Her new series of introductory books for crafters will include basic indigo dyeing, setting up a study group and special techniques. For more information about Suzie, go to www.suzannejenkins.net

  Books by Suzanne Jenkins

  Pam of Babylon

  Don't You Forget About Me

  Dream Lover

  Prayers for the Dying

  Family Dynamics

  The Greeks of Beaubien Street

  End Notes

  End Notes

  http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SANIC4

  A Dyer's Garden by Rita Buchanan http://goo.gl/k1SGx

  http://oklahomatinctoria.blogspot.com/2010/02/great-mullein.html

  http://www.anbg.gov.au/lichen/lichens-people-dyeing.html

  http://blog.mycology.cornell.edu/2006/12/12/dyeing-with-lichens-mushrooms/

  http://www.turkeyredjournal.com/Dean.html

  Dyes from Lichens & Plants by Judy Waldner McGrath http://goo.gl/ASWll