Natural Dying

Although I have done a bit of it before, natural dying is something I really want to do a lot more of. I wanted to start a new spinning project so I thought I would combine a bit of spinning and natural dying and make some socks! I started by spinning loads of wool from Brecon which is so lovely to spin with because it has very long smooth fibres. 

 After plying some together I gently washed to reveal a blindingly white yarn underneath all the grime.

 I then added about 3 tea spoons of turmeric powder to some water and boiled for about ten minutes before adding the wool. One lovely thing about natural dying is that it can be so cheap! Unless of course you use things like cochineal or indigo! I would really love to learn more about natural dyes you can forage for, especially shades of green although I hear its very hard to get a good green colour. I did attempt to dye some wool green using nettles but failed miserably! I'll have to keep experimenting...

 Gold!!! I am so amazed by the vibrancy of this colour, I can't stop staring at it!

 Since I had some dye left and its such a lovely colour I thought I would jazz up some of my black and white pants. may as well!

 I'm half way through knitting some socks with the turmeric dyed and undyed spun wool and I love it! I think they are so summery and cheerful, who says wooly socks are just for winter? I can't wait to get them finished and put on Etsy, although I would be very sad to see them go. I can't wait to have a go with more natural dyes, this is so addictive!