well, I guess the way I've been dyeing dang near everything(wool, linen, cotton,leather,etc) "theoretically" doesn't work according to some...and I've cold dyed EVERYTHING with walnut hulls or hickory,pecan hulls.....y'all can dye how you choose, but if you haven't tried the way I suggest, don't tell me it won't work....
I assume you are directing this toward me?
I tried your way when I first started learning about natural dyeing. It makes a tolerable stain.
If you like it like that...God bless you.
I've done it both ways. You get much more even, vibrant colors my way. How do I know? Well, after trying for a year or so your way, I began to use about 25 different plants and about 5 different mordants on different materials using the boil method. For a couple of years I kept my "swatches" and the data on the combo's. I found that my methods were repeatable and predictable. The color is more lightfast and withstands washings better. You can also develop a much wider range of colors to choose from.
I never cared for the "everything from your head to your feet" in walnut. The old timers loved color just as much as we do today. As a matter of fact, most of their dyeing was trying to replicate colors that were popular in Europe at the time.
I've learned a thing or two about natural dyeing over the years. Like I said, it was a hobby of mine.
Feel the love, man. There's no need to take anything on a message board personally. It's all about exchanging information and finding a better way to pursue your hobby.
