Autumn is a perfect time of year for foraging, I love having an excuse to walk around the woods and the tree rows bordering the hay field. It didn't take long to fill up some baskets with Sumac- berry heads.
Heating up the Berry Heads |
You would think that the color that you get from these red berries, would be red, but it turns out you get a tan/beige coloring.
Out of the Dye Pot-Before the Rinse |
It is a ten to one ratio (sumac being 10). One of the nice things about the Sumac is you only need to prewet the fibers before adding to the dye bath. There is no need to pre mordant the fiber, as I had to do, with the Goldenrod and Pokeberry.
You can add the wool to an iron, after bath to get a grey color, but since I have plenty of Natural Colored Greys from the sheep, I chose to leave it the tan color.
Drying after the Rinse Baths |
I used yarn that I spun from Corriedale roving that I purchased at the Michigan Fiber Festival.
And speaking of Fiber, I wanted to announce that I am going to be doing a Giveaway, later this week, which includes a Drop Spindle and some of our wool roving. So check back in on Friday!

I've really enjoyed the posts you've done on dyeing wool - so neat!
ReplyDeletethank you Kathi, it has been a fun project!
DeleteThat is a lovely color and such nice yarn. It is such a warm tone, what will you make with it?
ReplyDeleteThank you Fiona, I have no idea what I will use it for as of yet.
DeleteI see a gorgeous Icelandic sweater in natural colors. They're done in the fair-isle technique, knit in the round. :-)
Deleteyou sure are getting some great colors!
ReplyDeletethank you! I appreciate the visit :)
DeleteInteresting!
ReplyDeleteHave to say -I'm a little jealous:) Those are beautiful. The natural dyes are so inviting and cozy looking, just perfect for this time of year.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It has been a lot of fun :)
DeleteI love the natural earthy color! We have sumac out the wazoo here. I would love to try this!
ReplyDeleteI did like the end result, I will do it again. We have Sumac all over the place too, I am happy that I can actually do something with it.
ReplyDeleteI live the color they came out! So perfect for fall :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Caitlin :)
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