We used raw dyestuffs: cochineal insects, coreopsis flowers, marigolds, extracts and two indigo vats (henna and fructose). I was very impressed how beautiful the colors came out!
I was fortunate to teach in Tucson, Arizona last month for the Tucson Handweavers and Spinners Guild. This was my first time in Arizona and it was a wonderful experience. The dramatic desert landscape really commands your attention and the light just before sunset is luminous.
The swatches are from a number of different dye baths and we mixed and matched colors to create 4-color palettes with an indigo dip at the end. I was impressed how vivid the colors were in the mineral-rich water. We used and re-used dye baths in order to make the most of precious resources. For cochineal, we used collected rainwater to obtain the richest shades.
On my free day, we visited Saguaro National Park and marveled at the cacti marching along the mountainside. There were spectacular cactus blooms and super oddly shaped, nearly unrecognizable cacti.
The students made 44 different color swatches and took home 11 palettes of 4 colors each. It was a lovely time and I’m looking forward to the next time!