Monday, May 11, 2015

Anyone care to dye?

Oh I didn’t mean literally !!

I tried my hand at making a ‘natural’ dye.
It worked!!!

I got the idea off of Pinterest – you know that site that gets us on there and then KEEPS us there…
Seems I get on there and I can’t do much else until I have my fix.  I get going on it and all of a sudden I think of a new ‘board’ to make and then I’m off and running looking for great things to put on it.  There are few things on the internet that keep me entertained as much as Pinterest.
Okay – so I got off in another direction – back to what this post is about.
Making natural dye.
Now I’m not sure what I will use it on but I saw Cee Rufus use it on your videos and it made me want to use it on something.
Here’s how I made the dye.

After asking if I could do this, I scrounged through the onion bins at the grocery store for lots of skins – now mind you keep the yellow separate from the Red because they each make a different color.
I used Yellow onion skins
The skins filled the pot I was using – when I added hot water they squished down a lot as you can see from the 2nd picture.
Bring to a boil then turn to simmer for one hour.  I stirred them around now and then with a wooden spoon.
Now you need to drain / strain  them. I used my pasta insert.
I poured the liquid and skins into pasta insert that was in another pan – this made it easier to discard the used skins.
After it drained well I poured the liquid into pint jars and let cool before capping.
Store in refrigerator.

Onion Dye 1  

Onion Dye 2

Onion Dye 3

This dye has a very reddish color – this picture is what I found and put on my Pnterest page
And the link:  
http://www.folkfibers.com/blogs/news/6652230-natural-dyes-yellow-onion-skins

When I decide what it is I’m going to use it on I’ll post it – but for now at least I have it to use.  I do know that it will dye some of my wool for my rug hooking and Penny Rugs.
Onion skin dye samples 

I hope I kept your interest today – seems friends don’t come around anymore – maybe it’s lack of interest, maybe other things in life – but whatever the reason I hope you at least come by and read even if you don’t leave a comment.
I feel our blogging helps others with ideas and leads them to interests they may have not thought of on their own.
I know it has worked that way for me.

See you soon!

Karen

38 comments:

  1. Keep blogging, Karen. You are always entertaining and enlightening. ... jan

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  2. I don't have a blog of my own but read many, especially any that have to do with wool or rug hooking. It is how I learned most of what I know, thanks to all of you who blog and share what you know. Please don't stop.

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  3. I've been saving my onion skins forever, it seems, but have not yet used them.
    Pinterest...I don't dare go there. I already don't have enough hours in my day and don't need something else to steal my time.
    I've noticed a big slump in blogging, but I still enjoy it and plan to keep up my blog. I hope you continue, also.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  4. people just don't take the time to comment anymore.....its frustrating at times.....but then i am so guilty of it at times too....i will keep on blogging even if i don't get paid loads of money and have lots of advertising on my blog....which are two things that annoy me....but that's another story....i blog because its like a picture journal for me.....i love to go back and see what i was doing when....and if some folks enjoy my blog then that is just great too....i know i always look forward to your post karen....so keep them coming...i love the colors you did....very neat idea....

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    1. Hi Linda - and you are another one I didn't get notice of in my email about a comment...wish I knew what was going on with blogger!!!
      So I thank you so much for your nice comments!
      And yes, I'm guilty of the same thing I posted about.
      A blogger friend posted about this same issue and so I thought, 'yes' I notice a decline as well.
      But I will still keep blogging as it is a way of sharing for me with no one close around me to share it with.
      Oh yes...a journal...that's how it became a blog for me...a record of my life when I started my business and reaching out to others!!
      Blessings Linda

      Karen

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  5. This is awsome! I wonder if you can use broccoli for greens like you do dying eggs naturally. Beets for red and so on. Janice

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    1. Hi Janice - I didn't know you commented because I didn't receive notice in my email...not sure what is happening here. Same thing with another comment I didn't get notice of and I so like to thank my friends!
      Oh we can try many a veggies for dying but I don't have enough wool stash to test on! lol
      Blessings
      Karen

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  6. Very interesting! Keep blogging-I enjoy your posts!

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  7. I have saved onion skins in the past and never used them. I am going to start saving them again! The colors are just beautiful! I think a lot of people have gone over to Facebook. I don't like Facebook. I blog less but will probably keep at it.
    Thanks for the info.
    Have a good week.
    Robyn

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  8. Love this. You are so creative. I agree a bout blogging and loved your comment. It is sad sometimes.

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  9. Good for you,Karen! Those shades will be great for all your wools and threads! Keep blogging, dear friend!

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  10. I have dyed fabric using onion skins with great success...got an amazing prim-orange for some Halloween pin keeps! I have heard that leaves from red cabbage will yield a lovely BLUE, but haven't tried this yet!
    Please keep posting...I don't comment often but lurk regularly...LOL
    Busy Hands...Happy Heart
    Patricia

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  11. Hi Karen ~~~
    Great Post, I'm sure you will put
    your Natural Dye to good use.
    I don't Blog anymore but I do hop around
    an read ... maybe I should start leaving
    a small comment so people know I was there.
    I do spend way too much time on Pinterest
    I can get soooo lost. lol
    Keep Up your Blog we Love all you write about
    an your Pictures.
    Hugs, Conie xox

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    1. Hi Connie - wish you didn't give up your blog!!!! It is a 'connection' that I do not want to loose.
      I think blog surfers is one of the reasons some have given up on blogging - they think it is not worth it if no one comes on - they just don't know if they are reaching people.
      Thanks for visiting my friend.
      Karen

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  12. Hi Karen, You know I have been saving red onion skins for a few years now but haven't jumped into the dyeing part yet. I love reading your blog and quite a few others but am guilty of not posting comments all the time. Oops! I was getting pretty caught up with Facebook and the groups on there, but there is some negativity I just cannot be a part of which has made me pull back from there somewhat. I so look forward to seeing you at your next Gathering on Tuesday. Blessings for a wonderful day!

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    1. Hi Kathleen
      oh you must make some dye with them - I have just a few red skins and will add to them next time I go to the big grocery store in Kenosha - their onion bins are huge.
      I understand getting caught up on FB - but you bet there is negativity.
      By the way - the first Elkhorn Flea Market is Sunday! Are you going? I think I am.
      See you Tuesday!

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  13. Hi Karen! How fun - I have always wanted to try natural dye. I've done the tea and coffee dyeing, but the veggie dip is very intriguing. I love to comment when I visit blogs, but I too am guilty of the hit and run when things get busy. Hey, btw - it's the first Elkhorn this Sunday! I am so excited, maybe I will see you there. I am on a serious hunt for a fireplace mantel this year. Jane

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    1. Hi Jane
      Thanks for visiting!
      Oh yes, if I can pull it off I'm going Sunday! Can't wait. Hope to see you there - I'll keep my eyes open for you.
      Karen

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  14. I think this would be fun to create natural colors for anyone who works with yarn or fabric.

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    1. Hi Rebecca - thank you for visiting.
      After making this dye now I want to use other natural items to get different colors.
      Karen

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  15. Onion skins make a beautiful dye - I've also enjoyed playing with walnut hulls - and next week I'm going to harvest some dyers woad that is growing nearby - and give that a try. Thanks for sharing your method!

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  16. A loss to those who don't come around anymore! I ALWAYS look forward to your blog and have used so many of your ideas...yes, I will be getting onion skins. You have influenced me in so many ways & in so many directions. I'm in MN so I consider us not only kindred spirits but also neighbors. You are fun and creative! Krissy B.

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    1. Hi Krissy - thank you my friend! What a sweet thing to say.
      I guess I keep blogging because of what you just wrote...inspiration! I too get inspired from blogs I read and Yes, I'll keep blogging. It is a release for me and it has opened many a doors for me. So I am very thankful.
      Blessings
      Karen

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  17. Hi Karen,
    I am very guilty of not commenting!! I should be ashamed of myself because having a blog myself I know how I LOVE getting those comments! But I do know people are busy and I my local friends always tell me they read my blog! So I know there will always be readers! Your blog is always so interesting and fun!! Keep it up!
    You know I have saved those darn onion skins for years too! I dyed with them a few times and it really does produce some lovely primitive tones! I've always wondered about the longevity of the color and if it would fade more quickly than our Cushing Dyes, etc. But then we do love the faded old antique rugs so maybe we needn't worry about it!! Well be sure and show your results when you dye with it!
    Hugs!!
    Cathy G

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  18. I'm guilty of not leaving a comment :-/ but I am following when I can. I have onion skins in the frig right now but haven't tried making dye yet. After reading your post you are inspiring to make it. My son works in produce so I know he could get me more skins, just trying to find the time to do it. I can't wait to see your wools after dying.
    Take care,
    Leanne

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    1. Hi Leanne - for some reason you didn't show up in my email that you commented and I always like to send out a THANK YOU....I used to get them.
      Oh how lucky for you that your son can get the onion skins for you. I was rather sneaky getting the ones from the store when I did it for fear people would think I had 'lost it' LOL
      Not sure what wool I will work with to dye but it had better turn out because I don't have tons of wool to test with.
      Blessings
      Karen

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  19. No blog here/ But read and enjoy many,varied blogs; Have saved info about natural dying since I make wool pillows. My picker friends keep me supplied with wool clothing from the thrift stores. And with being home all week long doing day-care. I have little eyes observing the whole process. Just tried dulling wool with copper pennies and got pretty shades of blue and orange with Kool Aid. So much info out there. And so many ideas to inspire. Your penny rugs are very well done too.

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    1. Hi and thank you so much for your comment!
      Isn't it fun to get old wool clothing and see how much wonderful wool you can glean from it! It's a fun day for me when I do score in the thrift shops.
      Never hear of using copper pennies - very interesting.
      Blessings
      Karen

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    2. Hi Karen, so nice seeing you today! I don't blog, but love all the bloggers out there and all the great info and ideas provided by all! You are all such an inspiration ! I understand what you mean about Pinterest, once I go there, seems like I'm stuck forever! Keep on blogging.

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    3. Hi marge - so nice to see you as well!
      I always hope that I inspire others as they inspire me - it's kind of a pay it forward kind of thing this blogging.
      I was just on Pinterest this afternoon looking at my 'sweet treats' for a recipe for my Tuesday Gathering.
      Hope you can pop on by sometime and be a part of it...always room for more!
      Blessings
      Karen

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  20. Love the colors you came up with. I'm curious dies the fabric smell like onions when you are done? I know when I tea dye it does not but if I use coffee it takes awhile for the smell of coffee to go away. I'll have to try it this summer. I think many people still read and love blogs but have no time to add comments. Know that many of your readers are like me. Read it on the go usually on my pad or phone and enjoy it but no time to stop and comment. I so wish blogs had a "like" button!

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  21. How wonderful! I have dyed Easter eggs with onion skins and they are super prim looking! Maggie

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    1. Hi Maggie
      I have seen that done and would love to try it! I have some plain eggs that need dying for my large twig nest in our screen room. Thanks for the idea!
      And thank you for visiting
      Karen

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  22. Karen, I am a new subscriber; I just found your blog very recently. I haven't had a chance to comment yet, but I was drawn to your blog because it matches so many of my interests. I just wanted you to know that I am not good about commenting on the blogs I do read, mainly because I am very shy. I always think my comment will sound "dumb", so I tend to be a "lurker".

    I don't have a blog of my own, but I can only imagine how discouraging it must be to put so much time and effort into posting; taking photos, etc. and then not receive very many comments. It would be impossible to know how many readers your posting is reaching, etc.

    I hope you will continue blogging if it fits into your life as you'd like. If not, I will very much enjoy reading your blog's previous entries. Thank you for the great information you share with your readers.

    Warm Regards, Lisa in Oregon

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  23. Always watch for your posts. Decorating & gardening too. Cannot seem to find time for handcrafts right now. My knees won't handle the gardening you were doing pulling leaves out of bushes.

    I am in N. IL. and we often go to WI. so am trying to remember some of the quilt & craft stores you mention so I can visit them. Glad to see you back posting.

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  24. Yes keep blogging Karen! You are one of my first blogging friends!

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  25. I love using onions skins to dye with. I take an old panty hose and cut up and tie the dry onion skin inside and put that directly in my dye pot. I just dyed some for a new rug I hooked. Makes a great color for skintone.

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen