Tip for doll makers and all others interested: My limited experiment using hair color on wool was successful! That opens a new palette of colors, as many of the acid dyes for wool can be challenging to mix in those shades. Pricey, yes. Pretty, YES!
We have a limited quantity of walnut extract (water in which walnut hulls were steep since last fall) which makes a nice teddy bear brown. Using mordants such as alum (available at the food co-op and grocery stores) or iron increase the intensity and range of shades available. I have another batch of walnut dye underway, and hope to brew up some other nuts in coming weeks. As for other natural dyes, I saw a pastel chartreuse green made from Queen Anne’s Lace over alum mordant that was gorgeous with purple and burgundy accents. I tried horsetails (equisetum) for the first time, and it made a pretty yellow that was sunnier than onion skin. There is still time to gather these plants.
IF YOU WILL BE AT OFFF this weekend: The first person to visit us in the Shepherd’s Market after we show our Jacobs Saturday morning gets a surprise gift.
