The last meeting of the Guild’s 2013-2014 year ended with a perfect day for dyeing outdoors, hosted by Marnette in a lovely setting.

Members brought dyestuffs and fibers to share (and some wonderful food, too).

The natural dyestuffs included black walnut hulls, brome grass pollen, turmeric, pink ivory sawdust, and an indigo pot.  One member brought a nice range of acid dyes for those who wished to experiment with mixing and painting.

The indigo pot was a favorite with everyone… the magical color change as the fiber came out of the green liquid and turned blue as it hit the air was simply mesmerizing.

The indigo vat is ready…

White t-shirt before dyeing

A good soak in the pot

It comes out pale green

As it oxidizes in the air, it begins to turn blue

The final product!

Dyers oxidizing their fiber

Wool yarn, silk fabric and unspun fiber

Indigo-dyed yarns drying in the breeze

Check back for the date and time of the September meeting, and have a happy summer!