Tag: walnut dye

Walnut Husks Dye Process

• Walnuts were soaked for several days before boiling up and simmering until liquid was dark brown.
• Remove husks and decant liquid to bowl.
• Add wet silk pieces
• Agitate frequently then soak overnight
• Silk takes up the brown dye bath quickly but keep turning and agitating occasionally while soaking. (I don't boil Ahimsa silk as it would roughen surface) Soaking is adequate for obtaining a reasonable colour.

There is a lot of pigment left in the dye bath which can be stored in jars or used for additional fabrics.  Fill to brim to avoid mould forming. It could also be used to add to creams and golds to strengthen.

Walnuts were found on the ground where they had had been decaying under a walnut tree on Bossington Green, Porlock, North Somerset.