Playing with dyes as a change from dies

I harvested some lovely spring nettle tops originally to make soup - then I remembered one of our lovely OFF members sent me a book last year - all about natural dyes. Found a piece of Irish Linen - left over from something else - and have dyed it a beautiful shade of green. Now hanging up in the garage to dry.

Has anyone else tried dying their own fabric?


Note to self - go and harvest some more nettle tops for soup!

Re: Playing with dyes as a change from dies

Oh wow, yes! I haven't tried nettles, but onions, beetroot, berries, and turmeric I have done. As I haven't used mordant for fixing, I just use the fabric for journal covers or little sewing projects that don't need washing. Do you fix yours, Tabby and if so, how?

Re: Playing with dyes as a change from dies

Yes - I use a mordant - Alum Powder. I like it because you can use it in with the dye instead of it having to be a separate process - and it doesn't alter the colours.

Re: Playing with dyes as a change from dies

I have dyed many of my own fabrics in my time, but in every case it was unintentional.

Hoisin and curry sauce are usually the hardest to reverse.