Plants to Dye For (2020): Wrap Up

In this post I'm closing up my atelier for the season, and taking a look back at all we've learned! I had a great time learning more about dyeing with plants (and bugs!), trying it out for myself, and making more YouTube videos to capture the process. Following is a wrap up of our Plants to Dye For season in 2020.

Dye projects (from left to right): madder (2 fabric types), cochineal, logwood

Projects and Videos

A deeper dive into preparing your fabric for dyeing, and more dye projects with madder, cochineal, and logwood.

Scouring your Fabric (Soaking Method)

Mordanting Fabric (Oak Gallnut)

Mordanting Fabric (Alum Brightener)

Dye Project: Madder Root

Dye Project: Cochineal (Bugs!)

Dye Project: Logwood

Books and Videos

Great books and videos for learning more about plants and dyes.

Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book

Natural Dye Workshop: (Michael Garcia) DVD Set

Dharma Trading Company: Preparing Madder Root for Dyeing

Dreamy Goat Design Studio: (Mary) Dyeing with Madder Root, Day 1  Day 2  Day 3

Dharma Trading Company: Extracting Dye from Cochineal Bugs for Dyeing, Parts 1-3 (Videos tab)

Dreamy Goat Design Studio: (Mary) Dyeing with Cochineal Insects, Day 1 Day 2

Resources

Sources for plant dye supplies and information (web addresses without links may not be secure).

Maiwa Textiles: shop for dyes and extracts, and learn how to dye (The Maiwa Guide to Natural Dyes).

Dharma Trading Company: shop for dyes, extracts and supplies, and learn how to dye.

Amazon: shop for alum, Synthrapol, soda ash, washing soda, dyes, and gallon jars.

Botanical Colors: recommended for dyes, extracts and supplies.

Slow Fiber Studios: shop for dyes, extracts and supplies; events, classes, and more.

Earthues (www.earthues.com): shop for dyes, extracts and supplies; events, classes, and more.

Thank you for coming on this journey with me. To see what we did last year, see Plants to Dye For: Wrap Up. Stay tuned for more dye projects in the seasons to come!