The twins in turmeric dyed wraps |
I love experimenting with natural dyes. I have had a lot of fun with indigo, but recently I experimented with turmeric (yes the spice in your cabinet.) It was an incredible experience and very educational.
I was getting ready for a photo shoot with a set a 2 week old twin girls and I wanted some naturally dyed wraps. I actually prefer a 50 grade cheesecloth, but I only had local access to the 10 grade (from Hobby Lobby.) I got quite a bit of cheesecloth while it was on sale. Yea!
Of course, before I could do anything with it I had to wash and prep the cloth. I started by boiling the cloth with vinegar and washing soda. I let the fabric soak for an hour, rinsed it and added it to a pot of turmeric boiled with water and a little vinegar. I simmered it for several hours before rinsing and washing the fabric. That was when things got interesting.
I started washing it with my homemade soap after the rinse water started to run mostly clear. I draped the cheesecloth over my hand and when it touched the soap to it. The fabric went from a bright yellow to a brick red in the shape of my hand. I rinsed the soap out and the cheesecloth had turned a orangy gold.
Progression after Dyeing |
I was a bit worried by this point because this was not the color I was looking for this time. I remembered the vinegar that I had used when simmering it. So I poured a bit of apple cider vinegar in the container with the rinse water. The fabric where I poured the vinegar immediately turned back to the beautiful gold.
Also turmeric dyed wraps |
The first piece that I dyed I left out on my porch on the line. After 24 hours, this piece had faded to a pale yellow. The second piece I hung up inside, and it stayed a beautiful bright yellow. I love it when you get what you are looking for in an idea.
I am considering adding these wraps to my shop. Tell me what you think.