I have figured out that my favorite natural dyeing is with materials from my yard/garden or the grocery store. Last week, I came upon a youtube channel that changed my approach, both to how and what I dye.
I had not tried carrot tops before. The vid that I was watching promised oranges. I got lovely greens. I followed directions, although I am the first to admit that I am BAD at weighing dyestuff and fiber, perhaps that's why I got greens...I will work to improve!
Here are some photos from my process, but I will leave it to you to view the youtube link below for specific directions!
Below is a large glass "pickle" jar in a "bain marie." A paint strainer is used to hold the dyestuff. I love this method as the glass jar allows me to see what is going on inside. Watching color seep into the water is a large part of the fun for me. I will be trying this method with other dyestuffs. The glass jar also allows one to watch the color seep into the yarn or fiber once it is added.
The dye stuff (in this case carrot tops) simmers for an hour. Then, alum mordanted yarn is added to the glass dyepot, and simmered for an hour, then left to cool overnight. I was expecting orange but got a lovely green. (I love both colors so I did not care...)
here is the video link: thanks to https://wildcraftdyeing.com/. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs7FELt0NM4&t=240s
