Natural Dyeing Series: Marigolds

   I've always loved dyeing. 

Crafts was always my favorite part of summer camp, and there was nothing better than tie-dyeing! Even now, tie-dyeing is still in my top 10 favorite things ever. But I had never tried natural dyeing....

   When whispers of the shop doing a blog began, I racked my brain on what to write about. Then one day I visited my sister and her kids, and saw her marigolds. They were growing like crazy! That night, I researched natural dyeing, and how effective marigolds were. Every post had a lovely gold/yellow result, so I went for it (I only picked the heads that were browning or too heavy for their stalk, so my sister's plant stayed pretty).

Step One in action!

   When natural dyeing, you need a mordant. A mordant is what helps lock the color into the yarn. There are a few different kinds, but I chose Alum. I chose Alum because I could get it in a small quantity at my local grocery (it's with the spices/canning).

   Step One: Prep the yarn! The yarn I chose to dye with is INSilk by Schoppel Wolle. It's an aran-weight, silk and wool blend yarn (I was curious if the silk and wool would capture the color differently). I put a tablespoon of alum, and a teaspoon of Cream of Tartar in my dyepot. I then filled it with water halfway, dunked my yarn in, and made sure it was entirely wet. I turned on the stove, waited for it to boil. Once boiling, I turned off the stove, but then put on the lid. While I let it cool, I prepped the flowers.

About 8 heads worth of petals for 100g of yarn.

   Step Two: Prep your dye! I had kept the marigolds in a ziplock in the fridge until I was ready to use them. I then proceeded to rip off all the petals and placed them in my second dyepot. Based on how much water I used to soak my yarn, I tried to fill this pot with the same amount. I brought the water to a boil, then let it simmer for a half hour, then turned it off but put the lid on. I let it sit, cooling, for a few hours.

   Step 3: Dye that sucker! I drained the mordant water out of the first dyepot, then put the yarn back into it and on the stove. Next I put a strainer over that dyepot, and slowly drained the marigold dyepot onto the yarn, removing the petals when they clogged up the strainer. Once that was done, I poured more water in to make sure the yarn was completely diluted.

Percolating in the pot.

   I brought the dyepot to a boil, then let it simmer, then let it sit for a few hours. Some dyers will leave their yarn overnight, or even for a few days. I am not so patient! Once I couldn't stand the wait anymore, I took the yarn out, rinsed it in lukewarm water, and hung it to dry. I put it in front of a fan so it would dry faster. Eager would be an understatement.

Natural light versus Indoor light!

   I love the results I got! The silk adds a lovely shine to the yarn, so it is not a flat color. I will definitely dye with INSilk and/or marigolds again, maybe combined with another flower!

   After a few photos, I wound it into a ball and cast on immediately! The project of choice is Arbutus by Jane Richmond, from her book Island. I'll keep you posted with results!

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   Since this post was more about the process, and not the technicalities of dyeing, I thought I would post some important tips if you're curious to try it out yourself!

   Some things to know before dyeing (naturally or not):

• You should have a dedicated dye pot. Don't mix where you dye with where you cook.

• Also a dedicated stirring stick, measuring spoons, etc.

• Don't breathe in the mordants or dyes. Wear a mask, or a bandana. Keep a window open and/or a fan on.

• Different mordants may have different results.

• Same with different dyepots. Dyeing with a non-stick pot, aluminum, or cast iron pot will all vary.

• Please be careful, do lots of research, and have fun!