a month? lame. turmeric? rad.

it's been a busy month.  and the next two don't look like they will be any less busy.  so i guess posts will continue to be few and far between for a while longer....

but things are still happening!  take this little experiment, for instance- turmeric dye for fabrics.

here's the process:  (the few web sources i read make it clear that no aluminum should be used but don't say why) boil turmeric in water, about a tablespoon per cup, for 15ish minutes.  split into three smaller baths, add a quarter teaspoon of salt to one and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to another.  give em a stir.  shove in some fabric scraps and poke em around for a while.  then i let them sit for about twenty minutes, pulled them out and gave them a good rinse. 

and the result?

a really beautiful rich yellow.  though the difference between the three dye preparations was minor.  plain and salt are pretty much indistinguishable and the soda only added a little warmth.

follow up experiments will include multiple soaks for stronger colors as well as fade testing.  i know the turmeric isn't light fast, but i want to know how not light fast it is.

in the end, these tests are for an installation piece i am working on- art, not craft- but i am certain i will continue playing with natural dyes on fabrics as well as yarns.  i think i've said this before, but i love processes.  and this is a good one.  and once i finally have a chance to build a loom...