Natural Dye

I first heard of turmeric when I went vegan. I started using it in a variety of dishes, from curries to scrambled tofu.You may know it from mustard or perhaps you use it in cooking as well. If you've used it then you've also probably discovered that it can really stain just about any surface. I've always wanted to try using it as a natural dye, but never really got around to it until last night.

Turmeric

I was organizing a closet when I came upon this gorgeous table cloth and matching napkins that had once belonged to my great grandmother Maria. My aunt Karen had stored them in her shed for years and they were terribly stained. I had tried everything in my power to remove the stains finally consulting the professionals. The professional opinion was that I should dye them because those stains were there to stay.

So last night I thought I'd try a little experiment with natural dyes. There was no way that I could ruin the napkins and table cloth. So I pulled out my biggest pot and added some hot water. I then stirred in about a tablespoon of turmeric and the napkins. I put the whole thing on the stove over low heat and cooked it for about a half of an hour. I stirred occasionally to make sure that the dye was evenly saturating the napkins. Next I carefully removed the napkins (remember turmeric will stain EVERYTHING) and rinsed them out in my sink. I repeated the process with the tablecloth. Then I took it all downstairs (keeping it on a cookie sheet to avoid drips) and tossed it in the wash. I ran the wash a couple of times to ensure that all of the dye was out.

When I pulled them out of the dryer I was so pleased with the results. Please forgive me for not getting the ironing done yet today (Oh who am I kidding, I probably won't get out the iron at all today, it's hot). Anyway I think that they look fresh and sunny.

A word to the wise, if you decide to try this wear gloves if you don't want to look jaundiced.

Have you ever used natural dyes? If so what did you use?