Experiments in natural dyeing

So, I have had success in the past dyeing wool with woad (blue) and madder (red). I have some pre-carded Shetland wool from Ewelove Sheep Sanctuary, Whitby and after spinning it up thought I would try dyeing it purple. It’s from the sheep Tink, Soldier and Belle who were rescued from the meat industry. Luckily for them they are now living out their days as sheep should.

So……

Scoured it in washing soda

Washed it out

Dyed with woad powder

Pretty, but I had other ideas, so

Mordanted using alum….

Over-dyed with madder….

The result:

It’s not quite like that, it’s more russet.

Not what I intended, but I like it. It is soft and fluffy.