when i was a wee thing one of my favourite books was "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Pa (her father) was often quoted as saying "it's an ill wind that doesn't blow somebody any good". i was minded of this today.
my mother (a pretty impressive gardener with all fingers in green, not just the thumbs) had coaxed a crimson flower from a recently acquired tree paeony. sadly a vicious toddler tornado decided to rip off all the petals. not to be outdone (and knowing my propensity for making strange brews) Mama diligently gathered the petals for me.
here's what they did when i wrapped them in a fragment of silk...
pictured: fresh petals on the petal-dyed silk. to see the original flower in all its glory, visit the blog of the dedicated gardener here
Looks like most things can be used as a source of dye. Quite amazing.That's a beautiful colour.I must try the rusted beer top and tea bag to dye some fabric black.
ReplyDeletemost plants will give some kind of colour, it's just a matter of knowing how to coax it out. that said it's also a matter of discretion as to what to use...ie avoiding those that are rare/endangered/slowgrowing/covered by cultural taboos.
ReplyDeleteluckily paeony windfalls in a farm garden are none of these...
I can't belive the richness you achieved from these peony petals. What a beautiful color.
ReplyDeletewhat a magic colour, wish I had green fingers but I grow only what looks after itself....
ReplyDeletehow long did you 'cook' it?
I only have a small freezer, so most petals will have to be done this way or by the Hapa-zome technique.
I enjoy getting inspired thanks India
Madeleine
Thank-you
ReplyDeleteyou are a continuous source of inspiration
Oh it reminds me of radicchio which would probably result in an entirely different colour.
ReplyDeletethanks for all the friendly words...
ReplyDeleteMadeleine, I cooked it for about half an hour and let it cool in the dyebath overnight
I'm searching my old books and look for ideas gathering plants and roots because I realised you coming in februari, it's winter here!
ReplyDeleteMy eyes always looking for plants to heal (one of my fascinations beside felt and dye)Whats weed for one person is gold for me. hugs yvette
That was no ill wind, that was a blessing in disguise, how beautiful.
ReplyDeletegorgeous! what a lovely colour!
ReplyDeleteSalutations again India,
ReplyDeletethanks for your assistant
when you bundle callistemon, how long do you simmer those, have you done some Grevillea robusta, notices I still have some golden 'brushes' left on tree,I assume they would be similar to bottlebrush...........
thanks
about half an hour is enough, Madeleine...and then let it cool before opening. i haven't tried Grevillea robusta flowers (but the leaves make a good resist) but one of my West Austalian students reported lovely yellows on silk
ReplyDeletethank you very much for this,I got a 'pink' brew waiting, then I'll bundle the bottlebrush and robusta.......... hope I can wait to see the result.
ReplyDeleteI have learned to prepare either in the evening during the week or in the morning before going to work, because if I leave it for the weekend, well there is just not enough time ...........
I'm amazed at the colours you extract from plants. Wow!
ReplyDeletesimply delicious...
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. I adore peonies but we often seem to have heavy rain just as they bloom. This year I'll be ready for those downpours! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteJanice.
Ooo..your speaking my language. I love this- what a captive little blog here-
ReplyDeleteOh I love this blog!! I will be coming back more often now1
ReplyDelete