Monday, April 19, 2010

Dying mohair with beetroot

ok, so this is something i've been wanting to try for ages. But i didn't have any pieces of white mohair big enough to make it worth while. Then i got my new mohair supplies, and figured now is as good a time as any to give it a go.

Every thing i'd read seemed to suggest that the results would be disappointing. And that the colour would wash out (of clothing) after a few times in the washing machine - even if set with an alum. I figured, however, that seeing as the fabric i want to dye won't be washed, i might be able to get better results.

So i cut out my pattern. Chopped up the beetroot. Popped it all into a pot with some boiling water and salt. This is the mohair freshly placed in the pot.


I let it simmer for about an hour, then sit overnight (approx 8hrs).


This is the beautiful rich crimson red that greeted me.


The is the colour left after a quick squeeze of excess liquid. (getting a little less exciting now...)


And this is the colour after I had rinsed it under the tap.


And these are the pieces all rinsed and drying. The colour isn't too bad. Its kind of a cross between apricot and salmon pink. But it's still wet, so we'll see if it changes as it dries...

3 comments:

  1. That's pretty funny lol but it's cool you finally tried it!! Didn't turn out so bad either, but it's a shame the red didn't stay.

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  2. yeah. i should have believed what i read! :P Stubborn me had to try it for myself! As it's drying its actually getting lighter. It might end up more of a yellow by the time the bear is actually done!

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  3. Emma try adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the mix next time, it acts as a setting agent with most dyes.

    I must admit I rather like the final colour, but please post a photo when it's dry so we can see how light it ends up.

    Warmest Hugs,
    Sandi @ Bearly Sane

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