Rust Dyeing
In an effort to not feel left out by skipping the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival a few of us got together for fiber pursuits. First up, was some rust dyeing. We wrapped some rusty bits in silk scarf blanks and then simmered the scarves in a pot of yellow onion skins overnight. I tried a new to me technique using steel wool. I got the idea from here . Whenever I dye anything I start by washing it in Synthrapol. With rust dyeing there is no need to pre-mordant. The materials needed are basic, gloves, an empty wine bottle, a package of steel wool, some string or rubber bands, white vinegar and water. 1. Wear gloves, the steel wool can cause small cuts on your hands. I might have learned this the hard way. 2. Unfold the steel wool into long strips and wrap around the wine bottle. 3. Take the wet scarf and wrap it in a spiral up to the neck of the wine bottle. 4. Secure with rubber bands or string. I used an old rusty strip ...