Sloe Berry dyed silks

Sloe berries dark blue: first I've ever foraged

Soaked for a few days, boiled and simmered. Left to rest overnight.  Boiled up again and left to cool before straining plant material, and adding silk to the dye bath.

Sloe berry dye silk samples modified.  I chose to use aluminium sulphate for Erin and Habotai silk

From TOP clockwise:

  • Aluminium Sulphate     -  Pink
  • Calcium Carbonate       -  Brown
  • Cream of Tartar             -  Red
  • Sodium Bicarbonate     -  Salmon
  • Ferrous Sulphate           -  Charcoal

Sloe berries removed - Silk and lace dyed. Cotton lace was mordanted in Alum Acetate

Died results of Slow dyed silk and cotton

All similar, though silks modified in aluminium sulphate and antique cotton lace modified in aluminium acetate.  Cotton lace is more pinky.  I often make a resist circle by using rubber bands of tying with cotton twine.

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Images copyright Amelia Jane Hoskins Please email for use permission.