Mixed-Up Monday: Puce

Puce is a brownish purple color which gained popularity in 18th century France.  It was said to be the favorite color of Marie Antoinette.  Puce is the french word for "flea" and the name "puce" may refer to the color that was left on linens after a flea was smashed, according to Wikipedia.  :)

What you'll need:

gloves

wool: fiber or yarn

acid dye stocks: brown, magenta, black  (how to mix dye stock)

acid: citric or vinegar

dye pot: stainless steel or crock pot

measuring spoons

I'll be using 1 oz bundles of mixed breed wool combed top for each dye pot.

Gather the wool and soak in some room temp tap water until saturated.

Fill the dye pot up with a few inches of water and add 1/2 tsp of citric acid or 1 TB vinegar.

Add 1 TB brown dye stock.

Next, add 1/2 tsp of Magenta dye stock.

Add the damp wool to the pot making sure it is fully submerged.

Cover pot and turn heat to low.  Simmer for about 20 minutes.  Water will be clear when done.

Let cool.

Prepare rinse baths and hang dry.

We've got a pretty shade of puce! 

Variations:

I added only 1/2 of the dye recipe here.

This dye pot is the main recipe with 1/4 tsp of Black dye stock added.

Here I added and 1 extra TB of Brown dye stock to the main recipe.

I doubled the recipe in this batch.  

Have fun and keep on dyeing!

xo

Next on Mixed-Up Monday, 2/22:  Camel

Mixed Up Monday: Olive

Olive is a muddy green color.  The most common place to find the color olive is on an olive!  It was the color of kitchen appliances and crushed velvet in the 70's.  You can still spot the color olive in today's fashion and accessories.

What you'll need:

gloves

wool: fiber or yarn

acid dye stocks: yellow, turquoise, black.  Magenta and brown are optional.  (how to mix dye stock)

acid: citric or vinegar

dye pot: stainless steel or crock pot

measuring spoons

I'll be dyeing up 1 oz  bundles of mixed breed wool combed top.

Gather the wool and soak in some room temp tap water until saturated.

Add the acid to a dye pot filled with a few inches of tap water.  I'm using 1/2 tsp of citric acid (or 1 TB vinegar) for 1 oz of fiber.

Add 2 TB Yellow dye stock to the pot.

Next, add 1/2 tsp Turquoise dye stock.

Then add 1 tsp Black dye stock.  Stir it up!

Add the wool making sure it is completely submerged.  

Cover and heat on low for about 20 minutes.  Water will be clear when done.

Let cool.

Prepare rinse baths:  one with a few drop of textile detergent or Blue Dawn, one with plain water. Let the dyed fiber soak a few minutes in each one.

Hang dry.

A succulent shade of olive green.  :)

Variations:

Adding 1/2 tsp of Magenta dye will tone it down but allows it to remain the same value/ brightness.

Here I added 1 tsp of Brown dye.  It's now a warmer and darker shade of olive.

In this dye pot I added and additional 1 tsp of Black.  

Have fun and keep on dyeing!

xo

Next on Mixed Up Monday, 2/8/16 : Puce