The method to solar dyeing is so simple,
1st
Find a glass jar, this is an old coffee jar, make sure it is clean.
2nd
Pick / gather fresh flowerheads, I chose calendulas and coreopsis from the garden, both are very good plants for natural dyeing.
3rd
Fill jar with very hot water, a pinch of alum, a pinch of cream of tartar, a pinch of soda ash (to mordent the wool). Add wool.
Leave jar in full Sun for about two weeks, turning and gently shaking every few days. I added a new flower bloom now and again too just for fun!
The Sun would warm the water each day and the dye colour deepened.
When I was happy with the colour I rinsed the contents of the jar in fresh cool water, removing the old flowerheads and leaving the wool out to dry.
Now I have a small sample of Shetland fleece ready to be carded and spun. I just know this will look amazing in some Saori weaving.
I'm now collecting glass jars so as I can have a full row of Colour Dyes made by the Sun in my garden next year.
