Natural Dyeing Textiles
with
Maria Nelson Molloy
In this workshop Maria demonstrates her natural dying process with easy to acquire equipment and materials. You can do this in a conventional kitchen…. or over a fire with a cauldron if you would like the full witch experience. In this exciting project, Maria encourages letting go of expectations and having fun with the dying process, encouraging unique and surprising outcomes.
Materials
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Natural material (linen cotton or other plant-based fibre)
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Soy milk
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Alum
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Blueberries
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Onion skins
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Twine or rubber bands
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Cooking pot
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Colander
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Sink or vessel to soak materials
METHOD
Natural dyeing textiles
Soak fabric
Soak for one hour in soy mixture - 1 part soy 3 parts water and then take the fabric out of solution and allow to drain in colander.
Lay fabric out and add natural waste
Get creative!
If you wish to dye two similar strips at the same time, lay another piece of fabric over the top
Roll, bundle and pin
Roll from narrow end - keep it tight. Wrap with twine or elastic tightly to create a bundle.
Pin in pleats around the collar - 1 tbs alum to 1 litre of water.
TIP To tie the bundle tight, you can use elastic or even re-use the rubber bands from groceries like broccolini.
Boil
Bring to a boil, stir to ensure the alum is mixed through and add fabric bundle to water.
Leave for 30-40 minutes, then remove the bundle from water to let it cool.
Dry
Unwind twine, unwrap fabric and separate materials.
Hang up to dry.
TIP Try not to pick off the goop when material is still wet! Remove any excess materials when dry.