Shikon (Purple Gromwell) Japanese dye

Description

 (Shikon or Purple Gromwell) Lithospermum erythrorhizon

Murasaki is the name of the plant and shikon is the name of the roots and we love its poetic name that describes the color of wisteria blossoms. This delicate purple is an ancient shade, dating in Japan from the Nara period (AD 710-794). At that time, the color was reserved exclusively for the highest ranks of Japanese society and forbidden for commoners to wear. During the Edo period, purple became acceptable for all as it was popularized by a famous actor. This dye is similar to alkanet and is most easily extracted by adding it to a small jar of isopropyl alcohol and letting it steep at room temperature.  Use the alcohol liquid and add water to create the dyebath.  You can extract more color by adding more alcohol and letting it steep in a tightly colored jar away from heat and light. We are dyeing at 200% wof.

When you are ready to dye, strain the alcohol mixture into a small dyepot and add an equal amount of water. Reserve the shikon roots as you can extract them multiple times.Mix well, add the fibers and rotate constantly, bringing the temperature up to 120F.  Hold at 120F for 45 minutes, then remove the goods and rinse. You can save and re-use the dye bath or add back the soaked shikon roots and steep.

NOTE: Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is flammable. Keep away from open flame. We recommend only using electric or induction burners to heat the dye bath solution.