phase 2 Additions to the Dye garden

Custom build garden shed with porch.  To help organize and enjoy the view from the porch.

It is June- major growing season!
this year dyes:
rhubarb- 2 varieties
stiff goldenrod-solidago rigida
yellow buckwheat
star grass-blue-eyed grass
bee balm
marigolds
coreopsis
yarrow
indian grass- sorghastrum nutans

Marigolds

Fall is approaching and I need to harvest the remaining marigold flowers that have brightened the garden.  Most have been planted in pots, however I did plant a large section of marigolds on a side garden-  during the dry days of August, these flowers flurished (with watering) and I have been collecting, drying and then freezing them (the flower heads) in bags to use this November in class.  The dye ranges in bright sunny yellow to deep crimson, depending on the flower color of course.  This dye works well on all natural fibers/fabric.  Basically the only ingredience needed is marigolds, water (distilled) and alum.  The frozen flowers I will just add to the dye pot like I would with the fresh flowers.  Check out my November blog and see the results we get in class!

This jar is full of water/alum/flowerheads and set in the sun for 3 days.  It's like making sun tea but instead a bright yellow dye.  I strained the liquid and then have stored the remaining clear dye in a dark cool place for use this Fall.  This is a great way to make dye in the summer months using a sustainable method.  Otherwise, without the use of the summer sun, I will need to heat and simmer the pot for about 1 hour to make the dye and then strain, at that time I can add my fabric for another hour to simmer and stir for consistant dyeing results

What is Ochre?

"Besides natural dyes, which are organic compounds, there is a whole range of earth pigments that add depth of color and texture to silk and cotton cloth.  These pigments are found in their crudest form in muds, ocheres and minerals from the soil."  The following was taken from page 22 of Michele Whipplinger's Natural Dye Instruction Booklet. (can be ordered from her website) http://www.earthues.com/


our pigments for applying color to fabric

 In my second class with Michele we worked with many techniques in applying colors to fabric- which is different than dyeing fabric (the color penetrates the fibers completely - pigments stay on the surface of the fibers)  Michele provided an array of tools and the possibilities are endless!

I loved the way the pigment and color stayed on the surface creating a matte, and almost ancient pottery effect.  The colors become vibrant and the interchange of colors on different dyed fabrics is facinating.

I am working on finishing a piece of fabric that I dyed indigo and then have painted the woven pattern squares a variety of colors, plus metalic powder that Michele showed me how to use.

Some of the plants in my garden are not necessarily  brilliant, bright colors, but more muted tones.  So I am planning to use some of my ochres/pigments from the set I bought from Michele to incorporate some bright patterns on my dyed fabric.  Check in after harvest and dyeing to see my finished pieces.  Meanwhile, back to gardening!

To Dye For!

Lake Canandaigua-one of the Finger Lakes

My classes at Canandaigua, NY were amazing!  The instructor was MicheleWipplinger, who is owner of Earthues and a well known lecturer, author and expert on natural dyes.  She has traveled world-wide and resides in Seattle, WA where she also holds classes.  If you get a chance to take one of her many classes- grab the opportunity!!!  Also, http://www.earthues.com/ is one of the best sources of natural dyes and accessories for those needs.  (I have purchased from many sources, and this is definately one to be trusted)  Best quality and great customer service for any questions.

Michele had brought many samples, equipment, examples, and supplies of which I bought dye, etc.  One of the best offerings is her complete set of natural dyes and additives to begin dyeing.  We used everything is this kit in class and after I added up my stash of wants it was more economical and complete to just buy the kit.

The first class was "Indigo and Woad"   which involved learning to dye with indigo and then woad, which are both from plants and both dyes use oxygen reduction- dyeing with a combination of science and art!

Michele had provided us with a large assortment of pre-mordant fabrics- silk with many weaving textures and patterns. No two dyed pieces were alike and we incorporate many resist techniques.  Shibori, tying, tube wrapping, clamping, tying with river rocks, over-dying- not enough time in a day to imagine and do the possibilities.

Michele had so many samples for us to examine and also her lectures and binders full of info will be invaluable for my experimentations with indigo and woad.

Even though my garden project is focused on native plants, I have been growing some indigofera tinctora plants, which this species is found in many parts of the world and flourishes quite well here.  My problem would be that is takes about an acre of indigo plants/leaves to produce a 12" X 12" X 4"  slab of dyestuff. (and is quite complicated at that)  I think Earthues will work quite nicely as my source!

The importance and procedures to mordant! That is most valuable for any natural dyeing sucess - we also learned tips for using dyes and protein fibers- check out Hide glue!

Thank you Michele for an incredible week!

Hot,Hot,Hot

taken June 25 after a few weeks from planting



taken July 12 from same position- just that the first bed has now over taken the view of the other beds

 Back to PA, after a trip out of town.  Thankfully my garden got watered. And everyday!  Now we have temperatures in the 90s and for the next 2 weeks.  That means a lot of intensive watering.  It is best to water in the evening so the temps are cooler (less evaporation) and the water is able to soak into the ground and into the roots.  And all night before the wicked heat starts up again.  I use the "soaker" attachment as it seems to deliver the most water without wasting water. 
Also, notice the grass or lawn on the right side of the pictures.  A nice lush green to scorched brown. I will be limiting my water to the garden beds, plants/flowers and sensitive trees. 
So for the next 2 weeks it looks like hot temps, lots of sun and no rain in sight...My rain barrel attempt is not happening.

Road Trip #3 Botanical Gardens


 



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map of gardens



Off to Brooklyn, NY to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens- driving there was easy and great parking available.  Huge- wear your hiking shoes, because that's what the day involves.(lots of walking) I brought my camera, notebook and a water bottle.  The weather was great- brought a sun hat and it was needed!  The facilities are amazing.  I didnt know what to expect, even though I did do some planning online beforehand.  Wonderful, delicious! cafe- so I would recommend just eating there.  My plan was to concentrate on the native plant section- which was across from the entrance- a hike to get there, but then I did see the other sections enroute.  This year the native garden is 100 years old! I understand that the BBG had a specific journal that concentrated on dye plants, but over the years it was abandoned.  I am hoping to find a few of these journals floating around.

 



Stick sculpture- like pod moduals that you can walk into and through

There is a good reference library located in one of the many buildings.  Don't miss the Patrick Dougherty stick sculpture- created in Aug 2010 for the 100 year celebration of the gardens. He has made over 200 of these types all over the world.

Labeling

Aquiring all of my new plants and then trying to recognize and remember the botanical names has been somewhat of a challenge. So I decided to find some large label stands, write botanical names/common names, a little info about the plant and particularly the dye colors that each produce.  I am now up to 12 different types of plants- so this addition really helps in recognition and also to know the colors that I am producing.  So far the color pallete looks like yellow, green and tan- very mellow colors with very little intensity.  Originally I was planning to use only alum for mordant, but I think I will also try tin and iron to get more variety of color. 



metal sign holders- for 5X7 laminated cards

 I found a great source for some of my garden supplies, including these metal sign holders-Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies. Their website features a huge array of products and the shipping was immediate.