Sunday, January 23, 2011

A Dyer's Garden - Natural Colors from the Appalachian Mountains


Our 100% wool yarns are dyed by collecting native plants from the southern Appalachian
Mountains, in addition to using colors popular with the 18th century colonists of this region.

Plant parts are harvested with conservation of the species in mind and then prepared for a
6 to 8 hour day of dyeing over an open fire.   The color is set by using the pot as the
 mordant.  Most commonly used are iron, copper, aluminum and brass pots.

You will notice variations in color between skeins and within skeins.  This desirable quality
 is acquired through the hand dyeing process and not commonly seen in manufactured yarns.

For a more in-depth description of the process,refer to the chapter on “Getting Acquainted with Plants,” in the new book,
Wildlife, Wildflowers, & Wild Activities:  Exploring Southern Appalachia, by Jennifer Bauer

To purchase skeins of yarn, contact me at highlandlady53@embarqmail.com