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susiequeue
New Pal
2 Posts |
 Posted - 07/21/2007 : 2:06:00 PM
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| I saw directions for dyeing yarn with lichen to create lavender colors. I am wondering if anybody has done this successfully. I have been fermenting crushed lichen in ammonia and water for over 4 weeks now, waiting for it to turn red, and it is still brown! How long does it take to ferment to a red color? I am wondering if I am doing something wrong? |
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rebeccaL
Seriously Hooked
721 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2007 : 05:59:14 AM
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I've never tried lichen. You may try the Natural Dyes yahoo group.
There are different types of lichen, so I imagine different ones yield different colours.
Rebecca
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Visit my blog at
http://www.spacesheep.com/Fiber/knitblog.html |
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KathyR
Permanent Resident
New Zealand
2969 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2007 : 5:09:36 PM
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First of all, lichens take many years to reproduce themselves so it is important to only take the amount needed or, if there is not a great amount of that particular lichen in the area, leave it alone.
I have only dyed once with lichen (bought from a craft store) many years ago so I have forgotten how I went about it but it must have been fairly simple or I wouldn't have done it! If you look in the library in natural dye books you may find some information. I have a small NZ booklet, Natural Wool Dyes and Recipes, written by Ann Milner and first published in 1971, which includes some information about dyeing with lichens. Mostly it seems the lichen is bruised and placed in a muslin bag and simmered for two hours or so. The bag is removed and the wool is placed in the dyebath and simmered for two hours. Remember, simmering is very gentle - boiling could ruin the effect of the dye and damage the wool.
Try googling lichen dyeing for more info here and here are two links which show some photos of lichens which may be in your area. Note that not all lichens yield colour.
Have fun!
KathyR
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
My Blog |
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susiequeue
New Pal
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2007 : 09:33:12 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by KathyR
First of all, lichens take many years to reproduce themselves so it is important to only take the amount needed or, if there is not a great amount of that particular lichen in the area, leave it alone.
I have only dyed once with lichen (bought from a craft store) many years ago so I have forgotten how I went about it but it must have been fairly simple or I wouldn't have done it! If you look in the library in natural dye books you may find some information. I have a small NZ booklet, Natural Wool Dyes and Recipes, written by Ann Milner and first published in 1971, which includes some information about dyeing with lichens. Mostly it seems the lichen is bruised and placed in a muslin bag and simmered for two hours or so. The bag is removed and the wool is placed in the dyebath and simmered for two hours. Remember, simmering is very gentle - boiling could ruin the effect of the dye and damage the wool.
Try googling lichen dyeing for more info here and here are two links which show some photos of lichens which may be in your area. Note that not all lichens yield colour.
Have fun!
KathyR
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
My Blog
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dyeing with lichen
