11.9.11

SUN MEDICINE

The Chippewa name for Goldenrod is gizisomukiki, meaning "sun medicine", as it holds a multitude of healing properties.  I recently returned from Allegheny, PA with a bundle.
Merino, cotton twine, wool skein, mohair
Cats like to help out when it comes to balls of string
Mordant of Alum & Cream of Tartar: helpful ingredients to your magick potion
Separated flowers from stems
Wool in mordant: bring to slow boil, let simmer for 2-3 hrs, cool overnight
Goldenrod is covered in water, brought to boil for 2-3 hrs, let cool overnight
The dye-bath is ready! Yields a dark brown tea color.
Should result in a golden yellow with the Alum mordant...

WE SHALL SEE...

Sun Medicine, drying in the sun

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SUMAC
Gathered these Sumac berries on a hike yesterday. 
They soaked in water over night, then boiled for 1hr.


9.8.11

INDIGO INDIGOING INDIGONE

***SHIBORI WORKSHOP***
This weekend at Oil & Cotton  ((sign up online)) 
$65 all materials provided
Sunday, August 14, 11-2pm

Shibori is a ancient Japanese technique for several methods of dyeing cloth with a pattern by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, compressing it, or capping. Students will use thread to stitch a resist pattern in a silk scarf. Experience the magic of an all natural indigo dye vat to color the silk scarf.