Tag Archives: dyeing

Dye Day 2018

Wichita Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild Posted on by

The Guild’s last meeting of the (September – May) year is traditionally Dye Day, and 2018 was no exception.  The only instructions are for everyone to make sure their fiber/yarn/fabric already wet, and to bring whatever equipment and dyes they’d like to share – and there’s no telling what will show up!

We expect a range of natural and acid dyes; there’s usually an indigo pot (thanks to Nancy S), and this year we had cochineal and onion skins, and likely some others I missed.  There was a wide range of acid dyes ready to squirt on bamboo socks, and other pots and crock pots gently steaming.  The possibilities were endless, and we had a fun – and slightly messy – day!

And then there was lunch… Marnette somehow managed to outdo herself with delicious Irish stew, and the side dishes and desserts perfectly rounded out the meal.

But no doubt about it, the best surprise this year was a tiny ewe lamb to cuddle and bottle feed!

Oh, yes… there was a business meeting.  The current officers were re-elected, and plans for summer classes for the Fiber Arts Center were discussed.  One idea that took off immediately was to offer a one-week Fiber Camp for kids; plans are moving forward at speed, and when they are complete, we will post information here!

Pokeberry Dyeing, September 2014

Wichita Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild Posted on by

The guild is ringing in the ‘new year’ on September 6th with a fun day of dyeing with pokeberries!  We will meet at Marnette’s house; any guild members or visitors who do not know the location are encouraged to submit a contact form for directions.

You will need to prepare your yarn or fiber in a vinegar mordant:

  1. Fill a stainless steel or enamel pot with water. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar for every 4 ounces of fiber.
  2. Gently heat your pot over medium heat (160 – 180F) for 60 to 90 minutes.
  3. Remove the fiber and place it immediately into your pokeberry dye vat.

Note: If your yarns are not going directly from their mordant bath to the dye pot, it is best to have them in an acid bath while they are waiting; this can be done by adding 1/4 c. of vinegar to the soak water.