Currently I've been working with some fellow artists for a show as part of Somerset Art Weeks - using both my fibre work and my ceramics. This month I've been experimenting with the natural dyes around me. Buttercups are abundant in the meadow near my studio and they produce a pretty subtle yellow. I mordanted with alum and cream of tartar and solar dyed over a 48 hours period. The yarn is spun from Portland on my new (!) wheel - I can't wait to use it in a bigger piece later in the year.
This is cross posted in Somerset Stitched - a blog following our creative journey towards Art Weeks in the autumn....
I love photos of yarn hanging drying with garden views in the background.
ReplyDeleteWow to the buttercups, never thought of using them - I wonder how colourfast they will be? Lovely subtle yellow, buttery!
No idea how lightfast - but I'm loving the colour!!!
DeleteThis is lovely, the colour is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteM x
thank you!!! x
DeleteWhat a beautiful colour really buttery - off now to pick some buttercups!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how lightfast it will be but it'll be part of a larger piece hopefully hung in a gallery!
DeleteAmazing! I never knew buttercups produced dye. I am so enjoying your spinning/dyeing adventures. Can't wait to see how it looks knitted up into something. x
ReplyDeleteI didn't know either - it was an experiment!
DeleteAmazing that the buttercups have yeilded such a pretty colour. And your pictures look so pretty too - I love the way the flowers are clinging to the skein as you lift it up.
ReplyDeleteThank you! - I'm now picking bits of flower out of the skein but I didn't extract the dye beforehand as I didn't want a flat colour. I've got a whole list of plants I want to try....
DeleteLovely x
ReplyDeletethanks!
DeleteBeautiful! I'll be on the lookout for buttercups too.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and interesting post!! I just love the buttery color and the natural way to produce it. Buttercups are one of my favorite flowers and just as soon as they start blooming here I will have to try this too! Your pictures are lovely!
ReplyDeleteLooks gorgeous. That is a beautiful butter color. Things are looking wonderful in your world! Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteHow on earth did I miss this! I have been doing a lot of natural dyeing recently to ... dandelions and cabbage shoots here this week :D
ReplyDelete