Free Online Articles Directory

Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
AB Answers

Publish Article

0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Hello Guest
Login

Login via

Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out

Email

Password


Remember me?
Lost Password?

Home Page > Arts & Entertainment > Natural Dyes – Tips For Getting Bright Colours on Wool

Natural Dyes – Tips For Getting Bright Colours on Wool

Edit Article |

Posted: Aug 07, 2009 |Comments: 0
| Views: 138 |

Share

]]>

I will share with you some secrets that I have learnt over the years on how you can get bright and strong colours with natural dyes. It is vital to both prepare the wool properly and to use tried and tested traditional natural dyes, such as woad, weld and madder etc. Chalk may help to brighten up some colours, whilst using rainwater is important for other colours. There are also a couple of easy tricks that you can use to get dark colours.

The wool

Some types of wool take colour better than others and white Blue-Faced Leicester wool is my favourite. Yarn is much easier to handle in the dye pot but you often get better dye penetration on clean fleece.

Knitted items, on the other hand, can be difficult to dye. You need about 10 litres of dye liquid for 100 grams of fibre and a 500 gram knitted jumper would, therefore, need a very large container.

Soaking

Whatever type of wool you use, it will benefit from being soaked in water for at least two hours. Soaking the wool opens up the fibres, making the wool easy to scour, mordant and dye; the fibre is also less likely to float at the top of the dye bath. Leaving the wool longer in the saucepan during any of the steps below can also help to produce darker colours.

Preparation

Failure to clean wool properly is one of the main reasons for not getting good colours from your dyes. Wool needs to be well scoured before it is dipped in the dye pot even if it has just been bought and looks clean. Scouring is much more than washing; when you scour you remove grease and oils from the fibre as well as dirt.

After scouring the wool needs to be mordanted. With the exception of woad and the indigos, most natural dyes do not adhere very well to the fibres and need the help of a mordant. A mordant is a chemical binding agent that adheres well to both the fibres and the dye. I use alum and cream of tartar to mordant wool.

The dyes

You will get much better colour if you use traditional natural dyes that have been tried and tested for hundreds of years. Tropical wood dyes such as brazilwood, logwood and fustic produce bright colours very easily. Cochineal is a very strong dye but it produces much brighter colours if you use rainwater.

Woad, weld and madder are some of the best European dyes. Madder likes hard water and adding a teaspoon of chalk to a madder dye bath makes for stronger reds. Chalk can also brighten wool dyed with weld considerably, changing it from a dull buff to an almost neon yellow.

It can be difficult to get dark blues with woad using a chemical vat as the Spectralite can strip the colour from the wool as fast as it is being deposited. The secret to very dark blues either with woad or indigo is to use a fermentation vat rather than a chemical vat.

Master dyers often build up the colour in layers. Rather than using a very strong dye bath, they re-mordant the wool after it has been dyed, and either put the wool back into the dye pot or over-dye it using another colour.

Proportions

Instead of using, for example, 100 gram of madder to 100 gram of wool to get red, you could try splitting the wool into three lots. Adding just the first batch to the dye bath made with 100 gram of madder should result in a very dark red. Take the first batch out and add the second batch. This way you end up with a gradation of very dark to light red, rather than an uniform medium red wool.

Easy tricks for dark colours

Adding a pinch of iron (as ferrous sulphate) at the end of the dye bath can darken the colours dramatically. Make sure you only use a pinch, as too much iron damages the fibres. It is also important to wash the wool well afterwards to remove all traces of iron.

The easiest way to get dark colours, however, is to start with dark wool. According to the British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association ‘when coloured wool is over-dyed it develops a depth of colour far beyond that achievable with white wool’. My favourite coloured wools are grey Jacob’s and brown Blue-Faced Leicester. This may give you the incentive to start exploring the wool of small and endangered breeds of sheep and even to start spinning.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/natural-dyes-tips-for-getting-bright-colours-on-wool-1104639.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #1104639)

Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy!

Teresinha Roberts -
About the Author:

Teresinha Roberts is a Brazilian-born textile artist specialising in natural dyes. She is regularly invited to talk to weavers, spinners & dyers, environmental and other groups. Visit our website at Wildcolours natural dyes today! to buy natural dyes & dye extracts and to learn more on how grow and use natural dyes.

]]>

Questions and Answers

Ask our experts your Arts & Entertainment related questions here…200 Characters left

I have oily skin. please tell me some natural tips to fair my skin
Please suggest me some natural tips to controll blood pressure
Hi,im emma,16 yrs old & have a normal skin,not 2 dry or oily.i used 2 b very fair but bcoz of playing games,im very dark now.can u plz sugest me the best and the most effective natural tips 2 help

Rate this Article

1
2
3
4
5

vote(s)
0 vote(s)

Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/natural-dyes-tips-for-getting-bright-colours-on-wool-1104639.html

Article Tags:
natural dyes, wool, cochineal, woad, weld, madder, indigo, mordants, bright colours

Related Videos

Related Articles

Latest Arts & Entertainment Articles
More from Teresinha Roberts

Fable II: See The Future – Gory Glory Red Dye

Kristin Adams gives you step-by-step instructions for securing the Gory Glory Red Dye in the new expansion pack ‘Fable II: See The Future’. (02:37)

Overview on the Inspire Hair Color Line – Part 1

Know about the color theory, product overview and design demo using Inspire Hair Color and the Spruce. Part 1 of 1 of 6. (08:27)

Overview on the Inspire Hair Color Line – Part 4

Know about the color theory, product overview and design demo using Inspire Hair Color and the Spruce. Part 4 of 6. (08:48)

Overview on the Inspire Hair Color Line – Part 3

Know about the color theory, product overview and design demo using Inspire Hair Color and the Spruce. Part 3 of 6. (05:50)

Overview on the Inspire Hair Color Line – Part 2

Know about the color theory, product overview and design demo using Inspire Hair Color and the Spruce. Part 2 of 6. (09:47)

Natural Dyes – Why Use Them?

Natural dyes produce an extraordinary diversity of rich and complex colours as well as unexpected results, making them exciting to use. It is easy to design using natural colours as they complement each other well and rarely clash. Synthetic dyes, on the other hand, often look bright and garish and…

By:
Teresinha Robertsl
Arts & Entertainmentl
May 21, 2009
lViews: 456

Determining The Top 40 Radio Hits

Making it on to the Top 40 is a gateway for success of an song that is released. It is a virtual guarantee of a successful launch and high sales. It is instructive to learn how the determination is reached as to which sound tracks make it to the Top 40 and which do not..

By:
DavidWolfl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

The best song of history NEW VIDEO SWEET CHILD O’MINE-GUNS AND ROSES

The most famous Rock song of all time, this didn’t chart because it was never released as a single to the general public. Radio stations received promotional singles which quickly became collector’s items.
On Tuesday November 13, 2007, Led Zeppelin’s entire back catalogue was made available as legal digital downloads, making all of their tracks eligible for the UK singles chart. As a result, at the end of that week the original version of “Stairway To Heaven” arrived in the UK singles charts for

By:
gauravamitmqwl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

Digitalize Your Picture Perfect Moments

Anyone one who has once used modern digital camcorders or digital cameras would certainly never want to or wish to revert back to film.

By:
Asuka Jl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

Stay connected with those you Care About

When we take a look at the modern gadgetry of today, we find both such items which are proving to be necessary for the people from time to time.

By:
Asuka Jl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

Vintage posters- imparting that classic touch to your home!

Presently, posters particularly vintage movie posters are gaining incredible world popularity. Most of people use this type of posters, especially to adorn their houses, offices and other premises for that warm and friendly ambiance. If you are a true movie lover then, without any doubt, a classic vintage movie poster will be the right choice that can take you back to the golden days of the silver screens.

By:
Editor123l
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

Cancer Zodiac Tattoo Design Ideas

Born under cancer, you are an emotional and loving person. You are protective towards those you love and those weaker than yourself. This does not mean you are easily taken in, as you are shrewd and cautious – well able to size up another person’s character and true intentions. You place great trust in your intuition and you are rarely wrong about people.

By:
William Burnelll
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

The Story Behind The Bank Linkin Park

The group “Linkin Park” has created a new type of music that is a combination of rap and rock. The band had a rocky start in the late 1990′s, with several name changes and claims that its lyrics provoked violence. Despite this controversy, the music of the band has thrived..

By:
DavidWolfl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

Good Luck With Gambling In Australia! Good Luck Charms From The States, Mailed To Australia!

If you live in Australia, and you want better luck with gambling, then you should get a good luck charm, and you can have one mailed to you from the USA.

By:
Father Timel
Arts & Entertainmentl
Dec 21, 2010

Natural Dyes – Tips For Getting Bright Colours on Wool

I will share with you some secrets that I have learnt over the years on how you can get bright and strong colours with natural dyes. It is vital to both prepare the wool properly and to use tried and tested traditional natural dyes, such as woad, weld and madder…

By:
Teresinha Robertsl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Aug 07, 2009
lViews: 138

Natural Dyes – Tropical Dyes From Wood

Brazilwood, logwood and fustic are famous traditional natural dyes that produce bright colours on wool, cotton and silk; brazilwood yields rich reds, logwood purples and fustic strong yellows. These three dyes are made from the heartwood of medium to large trees originally found in tropical forests. With proper care, all…

By:
Teresinha Robertsl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Jul 24, 2009
lViews: 190

Natural Dyes – Why Use Them?

Natural dyes produce an extraordinary diversity of rich and complex colours as well as unexpected results, making them exciting to use. It is easy to design using natural colours as they complement each other well and rarely clash. Synthetic dyes, on the other hand, often look bright and garish and…

By:
Teresinha Robertsl
Arts & Entertainmentl
May 21, 2009
lViews: 456

Add new Comment

Your Name: *

Your Email:

Comment Body: *

Verification code:*

* Required fields

Author Navigation

My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder

My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box

Teresinha Roberts has 3 articles online

Contact Author

Subscribe to RSS

Print article

Send to friend

Re-Publish article

Articles Categories
All Categories

Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing

Arts & Entertainment

Antiques
Art
Humor
Literature
Movies
Music
Online Gambling
Television
Theater
Visual Art

]]>

Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog

Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map

Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us

Business Info
Advertising

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2010 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.

Wool winter scarves! We know that winter is approaching as temperature begins to fall. Most women start looking for a mix of practical and fashionable clothes to wear in winter; and this can be a challenge as being fashionable and glamorous means spending time shopping for the right clothes. If winter is round the corner, the best way to look fashionable and liven up your attire is with a woolen scarf. In fact, these scarves are a hot item this season and besides making you look great, it serves the dual function of keeping you warm. There is no longer a need to look dowdy and frumpy in the winter when you have access to an array of these in different colors and styles.

You can easily accessorize your outfit with an expensive Merino style and watch everyone’s head turn when you enter a room. Merino is obtained from white sheep that were originally raised in Merino, Spain. However, today the pile comes from sheep and lambs raised in Australia and New Zealand. Scarves made from of these are of exceptionally high quality and are extremely soft. It’s lightweight but has very good insulating properties, keeping you warm and snug even in coldest winter day. It’s also is flame resistant and naturally resists dirt.

Available in multitude colors, they are trendy and well-liked by men and women alike. They also have the unique property of appearing soft and silky. With colors like sage, scarlet, peach and navy, you can spice up any dress or attire and exude a lush appearance. Remember, these have long been preferred by people to keep warm in winters. This is primarily because its is durable, comfortable and an extremely good insulator. In addition, it absorbs moisture very slowly and even when it is damp, it does not feel so on touch.

These scarves are suitable for any age or gender. You can see children, adults and seniors wearing them and looking colorful and trendy. In fact, with so many colors, prints and designs available, you can choose the type of scarf you want. You can match your fashion accessories with your personality and your outfit without feeling dowdy or old-fashioned. You can easily buy a nice one with embroidery on it for a touch of class. If you are ready to pay a little more, you can get one with beads and sequins on it. Or else, you can easily pick up scarves with animal, floral or geometric designs on it. Wool scarves with fringes or without fringes are available.

Wearing a scarf is always eye-catching. It can make your outfit look dressier. You can either wear it the conventional way by wrapping the scarf around your neck, or go for something more adventurous like draping the scarf like stole or wearing it like a cummerbund. All you need to be is creative when wearing your wool scarf. Now you can sit back and enjoy winter without worrying about looking trendy and fashionable. Your scarf will work the magic for you.

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:L34X3U2BTgs4CM:http://i17.ebayimg.com/06

Here are some tips for sheepskin wool solutions to your winter chill blues:

1. Keep your head and feet warm

The majority of body heat is lost literally from either end of your body — your head and your feet. Wear a beanie and if you don’t have a pair already, trust me on this one, get a pair of ugg boots. Uggys make genuine Australian ugg boots at excellent prices. Best of all they even make ugg shoes in kids and baby ugg boot sizes, as well as mens ugg boots and womens ugg boots in various colours, so the whole family can be happy this year. Men’s ugg boots and women’s ugg boots have a wide variety of styles, colours and sizes to choose from. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for online discount ugg boots, and the occasional in-store sheepskin ugg boots sale. Classic style ugg boots are the most popular variety, but there are plenty of other sheepskin ugg styles to suit your specific tastes.

2. Get a rug

If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to enjoy an icy snow-blown day in a wooden log cabin with a crackling fireplace, you’ll know that a sheepskin wool rug is an essential classic ingredient to any winter paradise. Add a touch of class to your home with a stylish addition that says luxury all over it, winter and summer.

3. Snuggle up with a teddy bear

A recent survey in London came up with the surprising result that 20 percent of men and 15 percent of women cuddle up to a teddy bear at night. Maybe they know something the rest of us don’t. If you do get one though, don’t mess around, get the best. Men’s and women’s ugg boots style preferences may vary, but a genuine wool teddy bear will have both purring like a kitten all night long.

4. Warm up your car

Chances are you spend a good portion of your day in your car, be it on your way to work and back, dropping off and picking up the kids, or simply getting from point A to point B. Since you’re warming up the rest of your environment, why skimp on such an important part of it. A wool seatbelt cover adds a touch of style and luxury to any vehicle, not to mention the added classic comfort of wool against your body rather than hard seatbelt material.

With just a few simple changes this winter, you can easily take the bite off an otherwise miserably cold season and add some classic style to your home at the same time. Sheepskin and wool are the most comfortable winter materials known to man.

I’m not sure what kind of sheep it was. (I forgot the breed: but the wool’s a cream color.)

Is there any way I can make the wool softer? Should I card it more? Spin it a certain way? Do a certain amount of plies (I was doing 3-ply)?
How do I make my 100% wool yarn as soft as store-bought wool yarn?

Read more on North Queensland Register