We get mordant questions all the time at Botanical Colors so why not create Mordant Monday??? Got mordanting questions? Email [email protected]
YOU ASKED: I’m getting ready to dye vintage cotton runners. I have aluminum acetate, which tannin powder would you recommend? Weight of fiber protocol?
I have a bag of wool roving and also trying to figure out the best way to handle. Last time I ran it through a dye bath it dried dull and stiffish. What do I need to do next?
KATHY ANSWERED:
The choice of which tannin is really up to your preference. We like to use gallo-tannin because it imparts a light beige shade to the fiber. Other darker tannins, such as chestnut, walnut or quebracho will add a yellow or brown tone to the dye. Instructions for mordanting with tannin and alum are here.
I’m not clear how to advise you about your roving. If it’s dull and stiff, it sounds as if it’s felted, which occurs when the fiber is handled too much during the process. Sudden temperature changes, high heat and agitation contribute to felting. Perhaps you can research dyeing wool roving and adapt those methods to your natural dye process.
You might also like to read:
How to Mordant with Tannin and Alum
Q & A: Round Up of Scouring + Mordanting 101
MORDANT MONDAY: Mordanting Cotton & Freezing Clothes
Shop:
Farm & Folk Quilt Alchemy, autographed by author Sara Buscaglia (with a great section on tannin mordanting!)