Experiments in Dyeing – Part 2
This was supposed to be a series of bi-weekly dye experiments, working with different techniques and materials to see what happens. Well, it has been more than two weeks since my first post. Maybe this should be a monthly blog? In any case, today I’m writing about my fourth dye experiment. Experiment numbers two and three were with oak bark. The results were underwhelming, and not really worth writing about. Simply, I think my wool wasn’t mordantly correctly for the oak dye. Once I restock my Cream of Tartar and get some more wool mordanted, I will repeat those experiments. Today’s experiment is about water. Does my crappy well water affect my dye? Background Like a lot of Americans in rural and sub-urban (ex-urban?) areas, we rely on a well for water. Our well is a reliable source of fresh water, but it comes with a catch. The water is very hard. I don’t mean a little extra calcium or other minerals hard. I mean the bathtub is permanently rust stained hard. Despite havi...
