SUMMER ROSEMARY DYE
In my recent conversations with some of my followers I have come across the question “ what do you dye with?” a few times. Today I am going to share with you my recent experiments with summer rosemary.
I have tried to use rosemary for dyeing more in winter holiday season. It seems to be the only evergreen herb that looks vibrant in my garden when it’s bleak outside. The fragrance from the dye pot is gorgeous whatever the season. Member of a mint family, it also is known for its potential health benefits.
So here is my dyeing process and the recent experiments this summer.
I start simmering my dye pot with a bunch of rosemary for about 30 minutes or so until the water is quite saturated light coral colour. My plan was to dye medium weight linen. Linen as a cellulose fibre needs pre-treating with mordant before that. I describe more about homemade mordant and pre-treating linen with iron water in my Natural dyes guide here. I always pre-treat linen before I put my fabric in a dye bath.
One of my tips for no-streak dyeing is to lay and not to hang my items to dry. It can be on old towels or other soft surfaces. That way the mordant and the natural dye later don’t leave obvious marks, etc. Another thing that helps I believe is stirring the fabric well when it just goes in ( a few times is even better)
After dyeing is done and it dries, the linen fabric looks like this…
*rosemary grey shade achieved in the summer months
See how the colour shade changes in winter. Next photo is from my photo archive. It becomes more of a grey beige tone really. Seasonal dyeing is an amazing slow process indeed which makes you appreciate nature so much. I am still constantly learning and being surprised.
*grey beige shade of linen achieved in winter months
Let me know if you do experiment with summer rosemary. I would love to see your experiments and shades.
Take care, Tanya x
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SUMMER CRAFT IDEAS TO EXPLORE
Summer craft ideas to explore
Summer is a fabulous time to shake off our gloom and gently try something new.
Whether it’s dyeing a well-loved top or making time to prep some discovered wool or yarn that had been hiding in a cupboard, it’s light, intentional steps we seek that don’t require a big commitment.
Playing and seeing what you like can be an unexpected turn that is good for mental well-being to being as well.
I thought I would share a few links to my resources and inspiration behind them with you.
SAVOUR YOUR LOCAL WALKS
One positive side of being restricted in freedom of movement this past year has been to rekindle a fresh appreciation for the beauty here on my doorstep. Start walking in your area and see if you too can notice some leaves you can gather to do some eco print or dyeing a summer bandana.
I have been experimenting with some summer dyes. Natural shades vary from light to brighter summer colours like yellow ochre.
20 dye baths collection: To get some ideas floating go to my highlights icons and check out the 20 dye baths folder here
MAKE A SET OF LINEN NAPKINS FOR YOUR SUMMER DINING
Natural dyes are so forgiving. To enjoy the outdoors or a picnic time with your family, sharing with them the joy of something you've created. This helps us celebrate the quiet moments and can make each gathering special.
Linen is so versatile and always speaks to me of summer. Wrinkled natural tableware is always my go to when I style the summer table.
To see how I pre-treat my linen napkins with soy milk watch this small DIY video of mordanting naturally.
A short video pre-treating linen fabric with soy milk here
CREATE YOUR SUMMER SCARF OR A SILK BANDANA
Treat yourself and make more space by being creative!
Gentle start on a path to learn how to create a light nuno felt summer scarf to enjoy the evenings this coming season. First discover how to dye silk with fresh nettles and all naturally: watch a short demo here
I hope you give some of these ideas a try. Feel free to get in touch to discover more by tuning in what is happening already.
As always, take good care, best wishes, Tanya x
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