Valentines Day ~ Thinking about my Dyers Garden

Happy Valentines Day!

I have Valentines Day Spring Fever

I gave you a link for buying Indigo seeds a couple of weeks ago.

Today, a little dyeing and a video on how to make a wreath.

You know it is about time for Pansies to start to bloom.

Last fall I planted many many pansies in my flower garden.

I took some pre-washed white silk habotai,

a rubber hammer,

and of course some really pretty Pansy flowers,

outside on the side walk.

I placed some cardboard on the sidewalk

for a smooth surface and to protect the silk, a little bit,

then placed the Pansy flowers in an interesting combination

onto the piece of silk. It is now time for the fun part

after you cover the piece of silk with the flowers arranged 

take another piece of silk

lay that on top

pick up the hammer and slam it onto the fabric

this will make an image onto the silk

on both pieces, actually.

Then, let the fabric sit overnight

put vinegar(about 1/2 cup for a small amount of fabric) 

and water into a dye pot (one not used for food)

and big enough to hold water to cover the fabric.

Heat the water until just before boiling and then

simmer for about an hour.

Remove from pot and hang to dry.

Then,

 iron on silk setting

 you can then embroider or whatever you want

to do with the silk fabric.

Here you can see why it might be nice to plant some Lavender: