Thank you! I've been looking for a channel that will really explain the how's and why's of dyeing with plants--cottagecore dyeing videos are all very well, but I needed to hear more detail, and you've provided that. Also, your little emcee introducing the video was adorable--she said her lines beautifully!
Just found your channel and love your videos. I have been interested in dying fibers for thirty years, but have yet to actually do any dying. I grow a few dye plants in hopes of dying some day. With you videos I might actually take the dip…. Also love your outtakes, how adorable is she!
Aww, thanks so much! Isn’t she the best? Such cute, can’t handle it. Dyeing is so much fun - I hope you take the plunge. Let me know if there’s anything I do to help.
Thank you for this detailed information, does the post dip in iron improve lightfastness, and are there other ways to improve the wash fastness and light fastness of marigolds or it there another yellow dye that is more long lasting, too many questions, love your daughter
So darker colours should fade more slowly but in general, yellow is just a colour that fades over time. Think of those medieval tapestries which have an odd blue/coldness to them. If you’re going to use it for yarn that will see a lot of sunlight and wear, I might dye instead with weld or goldenrod. Those pigments are flavonoid based which are better at resisting the sun. Always here for questions!
How do you dispose of the mordant water in the jar? Any special handling? I’ve heard others say the metal mordants are dangerous to work with due to inhalation and skin exposure when using. What’s your experience and thoughts?
Great questionS! So will answer in three parts. 1) some mordants are much more environmentally friendly than others. I tend to stick to aluminum and iron which do not cause issues in the same way as say chrome. There is more research now that tin is also safe to use though I haven’t experimented with it yet. If you stick to dyeing in relatively small quantities (I.e., not industrial for main income sources), and you live in an area with basic sewage and grey water treatment, you should be fine. Background metals like iron and aluminum are in fresh water naturally and should not cause issues environmentally in the quantities and concentrations we use for dyeing. 2. Regarding handling, and storage - that’s a bit of a dicey area for me to advise on virtually - might be a better question for local regulatory body that advises on chemical use (in Canada for example it would be WHIMS). But in general, store in closed containers away from children and have separate tools than the ones you use for cooking and food prep. 3. While mordanting, you definitely want to have good ventilation. A stovetop with a fume hood and functional fan works great. I would also advice leaving the lid on (keeping in mind you don’t want your fiber to boil).
Thank you! I've been looking for a channel that will really explain the how's and why's of dyeing with plants--cottagecore dyeing videos are all very well, but I needed to hear more detail, and you've provided that. Also, your little emcee introducing the video was adorable--she said her lines beautifully!
Thank you! She’s pretty awesome. :D
yes I totally agree ... I love the information here :)
Gosh, I love your videos!!! Thank you so much
Yay! Thank you so much. Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see. :)
Cute assistant 🌼
Haha, I grew her myself!
Very helpful! Glad to have found your channel
Thanks so much! I love making them. :D
Just found your channel and love your videos. I have been interested in dying fibers for thirty years, but have yet to actually do any dying. I grow a few dye plants in hopes of dying some day. With you videos I might actually take the dip…. Also love your outtakes, how adorable is she!
Aww, thanks so much! Isn’t she the best? Such cute, can’t handle it. Dyeing is so much fun - I hope you take the plunge. Let me know if there’s anything I do to help.
Zoe, this is amazing!
Thank you for this detailed information, does the post dip in iron improve lightfastness, and are there other ways to improve the wash fastness and light fastness of marigolds or it there another yellow dye that is more long lasting, too many questions, love your daughter
So darker colours should fade more slowly but in general, yellow is just a colour that fades over time. Think of those medieval tapestries which have an odd blue/coldness to them. If you’re going to use it for yarn that will see a lot of sunlight and wear, I might dye instead with weld or goldenrod. Those pigments are flavonoid based which are better at resisting the sun. Always here for questions!
How do you dispose of the mordant water in the jar? Any special handling? I’ve heard others say the metal mordants are dangerous to work with due to inhalation and skin exposure when using. What’s your experience and thoughts?
Great questionS! So will answer in three parts. 1) some mordants are much more environmentally friendly than others. I tend to stick to aluminum and iron which do not cause issues in the same way as say chrome. There is more research now that tin is also safe to use though I haven’t experimented with it yet. If you stick to dyeing in relatively small quantities (I.e., not industrial for main income sources), and you live in an area with basic sewage and grey water treatment, you should be fine. Background metals like iron and aluminum are in fresh water naturally and should not cause issues environmentally in the quantities and concentrations we use for dyeing. 2. Regarding handling, and storage - that’s a bit of a dicey area for me to advise on virtually - might be a better question for local regulatory body that advises on chemical use (in Canada for example it would be WHIMS). But in general, store in closed containers away from children and have separate tools than the ones you use for cooking and food prep. 3. While mordanting, you definitely want to have good ventilation. A stovetop with a fume hood and functional fan works great. I would also advice leaving the lid on (keeping in mind you don’t want your fiber to boil).