The EmbroideressSaturday, November 07, 2009
I Wonder
I've been reading a bit lately on the various insects used as dyes in the ancient world and wonder if I could dye anything with a mash of our local ladybugs.
We are in the ladybug invasion season and I detest the miserable little beasts. I vacuum them up daily, swat them, blow them out of my keyboard and off my lamps and generally curse them soundly. I think I could easily gather enough to make a trial of the thought. Anybody used ladybugs as a colorant? If so would you share your experience?
We are in the ladybug invasion season and I detest the miserable little beasts. I vacuum them up daily, swat them, blow them out of my keyboard and off my lamps and generally curse them soundly. I think I could easily gather enough to make a trial of the thought. Anybody used ladybugs as a colorant? If so would you share your experience?
Comments:
Someone on the Yahoo natural dyers list tried this a few years ago and didn't get any color.
Celeste
Celeste
I love lady bugs - perhaps they are not the same in Australia - but any insect that does not actually bite me I am happy with. Too many insects in Oz like to munch - wish they produced a decent colour!
Haven't a clue where in the world you are but I must say that at least ladybugs are quiet, how would you like to be driven nuts by the sound of crickets, sigh?
I do have an answer for you, it worked to get rid of the crickets for me, get some duct tape, tear off several pieces the width of your door frames (and anywhere else you think they are getting in, and lay it sticky side UP in the places they are getting in. They get stuck on it and die, without poisons, and you are rid of a pest. BarbM
I do have an answer for you, it worked to get rid of the crickets for me, get some duct tape, tear off several pieces the width of your door frames (and anywhere else you think they are getting in, and lay it sticky side UP in the places they are getting in. They get stuck on it and die, without poisons, and you are rid of a pest. BarbM
I wish you could send me your ladybugs. They eat aphids! Very useful in the garden.
MarthaJeanne
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MarthaJeanne
# posted by 
: 4:49 AM
: 4:49 AMFriday, August 14, 2009
Dharma August Newsletter
Dharma Trading is one of my favorites. It is one of the most enlightened, service oriented, knowledge ridden vendors I know. I've actually visited their retail store some years ago with my friend Gill Thomas and family. In reality we also visited the warehouse as well because we picked the first address we ran across in our printed materials.
Their print catalog is a primer in all things textile dying, coloring and fiddling about with and their newsletter also has articles that are classic. The August 2009 newsletter article on Natural versus Synthetic Dyes is a keeper. Check it out.
Labels: Dharma Trading, dyeing, Dyeing History
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Monday, September 24, 2007
The Work of Worms
I was happy to find Michael Cook's site Wormspit.com
As Michael writes, it is about silkworms, silkmoths & silk. Check out Michael's methods for dyeing silk, reeling, etc.
Michael has also generously hosted two small vintage publications about silk and allows you to download the pdf's of them.
It is a delight to see a textile artist who is passionate about their chosen field.
As Michael writes, it is about silkworms, silkmoths & silk. Check out Michael's methods for dyeing silk, reeling, etc.
Michael has also generously hosted two small vintage publications about silk and allows you to download the pdf's of them.
It is a delight to see a textile artist who is passionate about their chosen field.
Labels: Card Weaving, dyeing, Michael Cook, silk culture, spinning
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