https://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/11/16/a-visit-to-green-matters-natural-dye-company/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_8870.jpgIMG_8870https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_8867.jpgIMG_8867https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_8857.jpgIMG_8857https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1507.jpegIMG_1507 View out the back of the Dye Workshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1510.jpegIMG_1510https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1504.jpegIMG_1504Site of the “Dye Works” from the road https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1502.jpegIMG_1502https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1466.jpegIMG_1466https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1481.jpegIMG_1481https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1488.jpegIMG_14882026-02-14T01:15:49+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/07/06/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-13-a-wrap-up/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ellis_indigo-value-study.jpegEllis_Indigo Value Studyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/france2011-771.jpgfrance2011-771https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_3970.jpgIMG_39702025-10-03T11:50:16+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/07/04/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-12-some-further-thoughts-on-the-amount-of-indigo-to-be-used-in-a-fermented-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/april-9.jpegApril 9“STRONG”fermented vat using 8 grams indigo per liter. Sample taken 2 weeks after making vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/april-5.jpegApril 5“WEAK”fermented vat using 2 grams indigo per liter. Sample taken 2 weeks after making vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/mordant-print-3-1.jpegmordant print 3https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/mordant-print-2-1.jpegmordant print 2Two fructose vats: The strong vat is made with 8 grams indigo per liter. The weak vat is made with 1 gram per literhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/indigo-short-and-long-dips-1.jpegindigo short and long dipsBoth of these samples were dyed in fructose vats with a single dip. Sample on the left was dyed in a weak vat for 20 minutes. The dye has penetrated more deeply and is far more evenly dyed than the 1 minute dip in the strong vat. 2025-07-05T05:58:36+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/07/01/fermented-indigo-vat-post-11-problem-solving-and-other-practical-stuff/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bugs-indigo-1.jpegbugs indigoSmall larvae on the inside cover of my vat. This is a sure sign that the pH is too low and it’s time to add lime. If allowed to hatch, you will have small flying insects. 2025-07-03T19:00:38+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/06/24/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-10-vat-maintenance-long-term/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_0877.jpegIMG_0877https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_2587.jpegIMG_2587These simple notebooks are invaluable in helping me to care for my vat and predict the dye colors I can achieve. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/april-10.jpegApril 102025-08-27T20:51:59+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/06/07/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-9-dyeing/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dye-cards-d6.jpgDye Cards D6https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_0372.jpegIMG_0372https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_0353.jpegIMG_0353https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_0291.jpegIMG_0291https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image0.jpegimage02025-06-07T12:08:37+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/06/02/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-8-recipe-basic-fermentation-vat-using-wood-ash-lye/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wood-ash.jpegwood ashhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wood-ash-lye-making.jpegwood ash lye makinghttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wood-ash-lye-making-1.jpegwood ash lye makingFully settled asheshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wood-ash-2.jpegwood ashAshes are beginning to settlehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wood-ash-1.jpegwood ashhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/lye.jpegLyehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_3134.jpegwood ash lyeDry ashes in the bottom of the vesselhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0861.jpegIMG_0861Sifted Asheshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1-1.jpegImage 12025-10-20T18:48:48+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/27/some-more-thoughts-about-indigo-fermentation-blog-post-7-what-i-have-learned-from-a-biochemist/2025-08-30T19:40:16+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/23/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-6-recipe-basic-fermentation-vat-with-soda-ash-or-potash/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/paste-patties-crumbled.jpegpaste patties crumbledhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bran.jpegbranhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/indigofera-tinctoria-mixed-with-water.jpegindigofera tinctoria mixed with waterhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/rhubarb-dock.jpegRhubarb Dockhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/madder-2-1.jpegMadder 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/madder-1-1.jpegMadder 1https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/madder-2.jpegMadder 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/madder-1.jpegMadder 1https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/persicaria-balls.jpegpersicaria ballshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/paste-patties.jpegpaste patties2025-08-30T19:39:03+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/20/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-5-getting-started-with-the-fermentation-vat-and-things-to-consider-before-making-a-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sample-vats.jpegsample vatsMy dye studio frequently has indigo testing going on, as I compare variations of the vats. Note that some of the vats are wrapped in heating pads in order to stimulate fermentation.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_7583.jpegIMG_7583Three 14 gallon drum for indigo vats. Two of the vats are wrapped in a bucket heater band2025-05-20T17:32:25+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/10/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-4-how-does-fermentation-reduce-an-indigo-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-2-1.jpegImage 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0844-1.jpegIMG_0844Ground madder root, which has already been used for dyeing, dried in a shallow tray. It will be stored and ready for use in an indigo vat. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0854.jpegIMG_0854Full range pH papers with multiple pads for measuring increases the accuracy. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/indigofera-dried-1.jpegindigofera driedhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0844.jpegIMG_0844Ground madder root, which has already been used for dyeing, dried in a shallow tray. It will be stored and ready for use in an indigo vat. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1.jpegImage (1)Dried, ground Indigofera tinctoria leaves (often sold as a dye for hair)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-2.jpegImage 22025-06-29T13:23:02+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/09/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-3-what-is-indigo-reduction-explained-to-the-best-of-my-ability/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0821.jpegIMG_0821Oxidized color from fermentation vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/indigo-formula.jpegScreenshotScreenshothttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0820.jpegIMG_0820Oxidized color from fructose vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0816.jpegIMG_0816Leuco color from fructose vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_0802.jpegIMG_0802Leuco color from fermentation vat2025-05-10T13:09:49+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/06/fermented-indigo-vat-blog-post-2-fermented-indigo-vats-vs-quick-reduction-vats-vs-chemical-vats/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dry-persicaria-leaves.jpegdry persicaria leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_6790.jpegIMG_6790Dried persicaria tinctoria leaves https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_4850.jpegIMG_4850Composted sukumo, the result of composting the dried leaves. Photo by Debbie Ketchum Jircik’s of her “home made” small batch sukumo.2025-05-06T12:47:21+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/03/fermented-indigo-vat-1-a-journey-from-quick-reduction-to-slow-fermentation/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/lime-cycle.jpeglime cyclehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_4926.jpegIMG_4926This shows the “fading” which occurred on the folded cloth that was stored in a dark place for a number of months. The indigo blue has nearly disappeared in some places. The fading mirrors the actual folds that were in the cloth. It is NOT an intentional design element. 2025-05-03T13:35:48+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2025/05/02/the-fermented-indigo-vat-an-introduction/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_2953.jpegIMG_2953https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_0787.jpegIMG_0787https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/53785466005_7972923441_k.jpeg53785466005_7972923441_k“Lessons”, a queen size quilt by Catharine Ellis using early woven shibori samples. Border fabric has been dyed with indigo using a fermentation vat. 2025-05-06T13:28:04+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2024/09/20/experiments-with-turkey-red/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lightfast-tro.jpeglightfast TROhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/indigo-test.jpegindigo testhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/indigo-test-1.jpegindigo test 1https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_4787.jpegIMG_4787https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_4693.jpegIMG_4693https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-5.jpegImage 52025-09-01T10:49:21+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2024/07/06/saying-goodbye-to-an-old-friend-donna-brown-1954-2024/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dscn1504-1.jpegDSCN1504https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/p3110230.jpegOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABright colors achieved on cotton yarns: using accessible plants and a simple tannin/alum soda ash mordant process. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/p3140374.jpegOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAways referring to objective scientific methods, Donna is demonstrating the use of pH papers. (Deborah Chandler in the foreground) https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/madder-root-pic.jpgmadder root picCorey Brown Memorial Dye Garden at the John C. Campbell Folks School. Madder and chamomile plants ready for harvest. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/p3070061.jpegOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALearning from local dye sources/processes from dyer/author Olga Reiche in Antigua. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/chamomile.jpgchamomilehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dscn1742.jpegDSCN1742https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dscn1504.jpegDSCN1504Donna and I immersed ourselves in Spanish language classes in Antigua prior to our dye workshop. 2024-07-11T20:09:06+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2024/04/19/dyeing-as-chemistry/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0909-penland-1.jpegimg_0909-penland-1Tim and Charllotte taught an ink making class at Penland School of Crafts in the summer 2023. At the same time, Joy and I were teaching weaving and natural dye class together. We all had so much to discuss after long days in the studios. This is where I first learned of Maiwa’s upcoming science class for dyers. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0916-tim-1.jpegimg_0916-tim-12024-04-19T21:29:35+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2023/08/17/using-my-studio-formulas-set-of-cards/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3038.jpegIMG_3038Student experiments in weaving and dyeing at “Show and Tell” on the last day of our class at Penland. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dye-cards-madder.jpgDye Cards madderhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dye-cards-weld-cochineal.jpgDye Cards weld cochinealhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3158.jpegIMG_3158https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3157.jpegIMG_3157https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3156.jpegIMG_3156Multiple folds of Recipe #34: Indigo Print Pastehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3133.jpegIMG_3133Studio Formulas Set moved into a plastic file box, purchased for less than $10, with lots of room to expand. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3073.jpegIMG_3073Documentation of the various pomegranate dyes on wool.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3072.jpegIMG_3072My personal (and expanding) box of dye samples on woolhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_3071.jpegIMG_3071Studio Formulas Set moved into a plastic file box, purchased for less than $10, with lots of room to expand. 2023-08-22T10:17:19+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2023/05/28/dye-cards-in-a-box/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_2953.jpegIMG_2953Volumes 1-9 of lab notebooks on my shelfhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/dye-cards-d6.jpgDye Cards D6https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/dye-cards-d6-2.jpgDye Cards D6 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_2422-1.jpegIMG_2422My own first set of studio dye cardshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_2136.jpegIMG_2136https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/weld-dye-cards-d6.jpgweld Dye Cards D6https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/indigo-weak-weld-dye-cards-d6.jpgindigo weak weld Dye Cards D6https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blues-janot.jpegblues Janothttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/298828705_10228630720572979_9002099286332941068_n-1.jpeg298828705_10228630720572979_9002099286332941068_n (1)Teaching at Sanborn Mills Farm using my own set of color cards. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/indigo-weld.jpgindigo + weld2023-05-30T16:27:13+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2023/01/10/more-notes-on-the-life-of-a-fermented-indigo-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-2.jpegScan 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-1-2-1.jpegScan 1 (2)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-1-2.jpegScan (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/img_2593.jpegIMG_2593https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-3300111278-e1673124587641.jpegScanSix values of indigo produced for The Studio Formulas Sethttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-6.jpegScan 6https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-6-1.jpegScan 6 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-5.jpegScan 5https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-1.jpegScan 1https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/scan-1-1.jpegScan 1 (1)2023-01-11T16:40:12+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2022/11/24/discharging-of-indigo-dye/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-3-1-1.jpegubdugi duscgarge 3 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-2-1-1.jpegubdugi duscgarge 2 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-1-1-1.jpegubdugi duscgarge 1 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-3-1.jpegubdugi duscgarge 3Permanganate brown discharge on tannin treated bothhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-2-1.jpegubdugi duscgarge 2Painted discharge paste for"permanganate brown"https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-1-1.jpegubdugi duscgarge 1painted discharge pastehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-3.jpegubdugi duscgarge 3https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-2.jpegubdugi duscgarge 2painted application of discharge past for "permanganate brown"https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ubdugi-duscgarge-1.jpegubdugi duscgarge 1painted application of discharge paste https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sheehan-bandana-1.jpegsheehan-bandana (1)Bandanas by Zoë Sheehan Saldaña. Indigo discharge with clay-thickened potassium permanganate. The printed application results in an even distribution of the discharge paste and thus a clear white discharge.2023-11-02T16:41:12+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2022/01/11/madder-for-the-indigo-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/madder-ferment.jpegmadder fermenthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/madder-ferment-2.jpegmadder ferment 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_1544.jpegIMG_1544https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_1543.jpegIMG_15432023-06-06T11:51:59+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2021/11/07/the-surprise-of-indirubin/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1353.jpegIMG_1353https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1351.jpegIMG_1351https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1443.jpegIMG_1443https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1442.jpegIMG_1442https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1440.jpegIMG_14402022-02-28T08:43:48+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2021/11/02/slow-process/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/indigold-vat-10-minutes-after-mixing.jpegIndiGold vat 10 minutes after mixinghttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/indi-gold.jpegindi goldhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_6779.jpegIMG_6779https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1350.jpegIMG_1350https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1319.jpegIMG_1319https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_0099.jpegIMG_0099https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/fgfermentation-vat-e1635848837241.jpegFGfermentation vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/d8b7710a-0cee-4508-be48-ac570b1a6305.jpegD8B7710A-0CEE-4508-BE48-AC570B1A63052021-11-06T02:58:41+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2021/07/17/black-an-improvisation/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_0888.jpegIMG_0888studio image of completed woven panelshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_0722-1.jpegIMG_0722 (1)close up of "black" colors in the serieshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_0722.jpegIMG_0722https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_0266.jpegIMG_0266https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ferrous-acetate-vs-sulfate.jpegferrous acetate vs sulfatehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blacks-1.jpegblacks 12022-08-24T11:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2021/02/26/the-life-of-an-indigo-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/indigo-shades-laly.jpegIndigo shades LalyIndigo on cotton cloth: 1-15 ten-minute dips. May 2020 https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/indigo-shades-1.jpegIndigo shades #1Indigo on cotton cloth, same vat, February, 2021, 1-16 ten-minute dips https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/indigo-shades-1-1.jpegIndigo shades #1 1Indigo on cotton cloth, February, 2021 1-24 ten-minute dips 2022-10-12T16:43:59+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2021/01/29/one-bath-acid-dyes-and-textile-tattoos/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/safflower-yellow.jpegsafflower yellowYellow extracted from safflower petals using one bath acid process (on silk)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/safflower-pink.jpegsafflower pinkSafflower pink on silkhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0412.jpegIMG_0412https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alkannet.jpegalkannetAlkanet using one bath acid dye on wool - no mordanthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alkannet-with-mordant.jpegalkannet with mordantAlkanet on wool with alcohol extraction and mordanthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/madder-rubia-cordifolia.jpegmadder (Rubia cordifolia)Madder root (Rubia cordifolia)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/indigo.jpegindigoIndigo leaf powderhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_6772.jpegIMG_6772https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_6769.jpegIMG_6769https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_6650.jpegIMG_66502022-01-26T17:57:35+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2021/01/10/what-size-is-your-indigo-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_7711.jpegIMG_7711https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0382.jpegIMG_0382https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0322.jpegIMG_0322https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_7859.jpegIMG_7859https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0381.jpegIMG_0381Net laundry baghttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0380.jpegIMG_0380https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0319.jpegIMG_0319https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_7583.jpegIMG_7583https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_7582.jpegIMG_7582https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_0196.jpegIMG_01962021-07-29T10:22:45+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2020/06/23/the-effect-of-ph-on-yellow-dyes-from-the-garden/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/apple-leaves-e1592940240243.jpegApple leavesApple leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/fresh-yellow-dyes-no-chalk.jpegfresh yellow dyes no chalkThe palette of colors on wool without chalkhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/fresh-yellos-dyes-with-chalk.jpegfresh yellos dyes with chalkThe palette of colors on wool with chalkhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cellulose-with-chalk.jpegcellulose with chalkPalette of color on cotton withchalkhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cellulose-no-chalk.jpegcellulose no chalkPalette of color on cotton without chalkhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weld-in-pot-w-wo-chalk-e1592909915496.jpegweld in pot w/wo chalkWeld baths, with (right) and without chalk https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weld-fresh-on-wool-e1592940559813.jpegweld fresh on woolFresh weld https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weld-dried-on-wool-e1592940590248.jpegweld dried on woolDried weld https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sumac-e1592940533386.jpegSumacSumac leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scan-3-e1592940671324.jpegchamomile whole plantChamomile, whole plant2025-11-26T19:30:47+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2020/09/20/a-new-book-from-dominque-cardon/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_7923.jpegIMG_7923Blue value tests done using different indigo vats in my own studio. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dominique-2-e1600550968236.jpegDominique 2Mixed colors that do not use indigohttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/logwood-match-1.jpeglogwood matchAttempting to match logwood with a combination of indigo and cochineal (the cotton ties reveals which is which)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dominique-1-e1600550922313.jpegDominique (1)Green colors which use indigo as a base. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/my-indigo.jpegmy indigoindigo blues from my own studio. This is a work in progress. The palest colors are the most challenging. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dominique.jpegDominiquePages from the "Workbook"https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dominique-indigos.jpegDominique indigoshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dominique-adn-blues.jpegDominique adn bluesDominique Cardon, showing and discussing her research into the shades of indigo dyed wool at the TSA Symposium, 2014 https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/book-covers.jpegbook coversDes Couleurs pour les Lumières and Workbook, Antoine Janot’s Colours, both published by CNRS EDITIONS 2020-09-21T09:18:50+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2019/05/02/symplocos-a-plant-mordant/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/weld-1.jpgweld 1Weld and madder dyes applies with 1. no mordant, mineral alum mordant, Bebali symplocos, South Carolina symplocoshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/weld-2.jpgweld (2)mordant only applied to wash-fast wool knit.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/p-169-corretion.jpgp 169 corretionhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_4947.jpgIMG_4947https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/symplocos_tinctoria_blooms_resized.jpgSymplocos_tinctoria_blooms_resizedDistinct blossom of the Symplocos tinctoria will help identify the planthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/symplocos-1.jpgsymplocosComparison of symplocos mordants with alum, dyed with weld. No weld attached to the wool without a mordant. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/symplocos-e28093-version-5.jpgsymplocos – Version 5Comparison of symplocos mordants with alum, dyed with madder. Some madder will bind to the wool, even with no mordant at all. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/symplocos-e28093-version-3.jpgsymplocos – Version 3Comparison of Bebali symplocos and the South Carolina variety applied to wool knithttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/sympolocos-leaves.jpgsympolocos leavesSouth Carolina leaf on left, compared to the larger symplocos leaf from Bebali. Both leaves were ground fine before applying them to the textile. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/symplocos-tinctoria-blossom.jpgsymplocos tinctoria blossom2022-04-05T20:30:10+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2020/08/20/dyeing-with-fresh-indigo-leaves/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/heat-no-heat.jpegheat no heathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fresh-leaf-2017-1.jpegfresh leaf, 2017https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fresh-leaf-2020.jpegfresh leaf 2020https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/p1100875.jpegP1100875Heat applied to raffia on the righthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/p1100779.jpegP1100779https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/p1100776.jpegP1100776https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/p1100772.jpegP1100772https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/p1100770.jpegP1100770color is deepened by time in the bath of fresh leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/p1100769.jpegP1100769https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/p1100766.jpegP1100766color begins very light2020-08-21T23:38:17+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2020/08/04/lightfastness-of-dyes-an-historical-perspective/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/scan-7-1.jpegScan 7 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/scan-6-1.jpegScan 6 (1)2020-11-10T17:10:59+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2020/06/19/indigo-dyeing-during-covid-19-isolation/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sample-vats.jpegsample vatsSample indigo vats. Some are wrapped in electric heating pads in order to stay warm.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/woven-shibori.jpegwoven shibori shawl, made and donated to Penland School of Crafts annual auctionWoven shibori shawl, made and donated to Penland School of Crafts annual auctionhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/woven-shibori-on-the-line.jpegwoven shibori on the lineTaiten woven shibori, in processhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lye.jpegLye6 batches of lye made from wood ash, ranging from pH........https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/indigo-vat-comparsion.jpegindigo vat comparsionFour different values of indigo dye from the fermentation vat. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/indigo-vat-comparsion-1.jpegindigo vat comparsion (1)comparison of alkalihttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/dry-persicaria-leaves.jpegdry persicaria leavesDried Polygonum tinctorium leaves. These were crushed and added to the fermentation vat. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cassia-seed.jpegcassia seedCassia tora pods and seeds, gathered in South Carolina. The seeds were ground and used as organic matter in an indigo test vat. 2022-04-16T20:57:07+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2020/01/26/indigo-and-crocking/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/settle-2.jpgsettle 2Sarah Bellos, Stoney Creek Colorshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sally-fox.jpgSally FoxFox Fiberhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ricketts-drawings-01.jpgRicketts-Drawings-01Rowland Rickettshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_0663.jpgIMG_0663Dede Styleshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/donna-hardy.jpgDonna HardyDonna Hardy, International Center for Indigo Culturehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/henna-lye-vat.jpghenna lye vat“Rubbing cloths” indicated by dotted lines. The henna vat made with lye resulted in excellent rub-fastness. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lye-henna-vat.jpeglye henna vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/soak-and-rinse-water.jpegsoak and rinse watersoaking water with detergent (left) and soap (right)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_2641.jpegIMG_2641https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/crocking-indigo.jpegcrocking indigoTesting for crocking is done by rubbing a small piece of white cotton onto the textile. 2022-12-16T02:16:25+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2020/01/30/indigo-still-learning-and-at-last-indigo-fermentation/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_6802.jpegIMG_6802https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woad-balls-from-garden.jpegwoad balls from gardenballs made from woad leaves (isatis tinctoria)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suffruticosa-balls.jpegsuffruticosa ballspatties made from indigofera suffruticosa leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/persicaria-balls.jpegpersicaria ballsballs made from persicaria tinctoria leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/shades-of-indigo-fermentaiton-1.jpegShades of indigo fermentaitonhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fermentation-vat-1.jpegfermentation vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fermentation-flower.jpegFermentation flowerhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_6808.jpegIMG_6808fabric had been “scrunched” up in a basket for several weeks but not exposed to lighthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fade-on-cross-dye.jpegfade on cross dyeWoven wool and cotton, dyed with madder and indigo. Fading occurs on the wool at the fold lines. It had been stored away from any light.2023-09-14T14:37:09+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/08/11/water-monday-morning-bleaching-and-post-vacation-blues/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_8927-1.jpgIMG_8927 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_8877.jpgIMG_8877https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_8874.jpgIMG_8874https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_8871.jpgIMG_8871A small amount of gall nut tannin was added to both cold and hot water2024-11-01T12:36:13+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/05/11/experiments-and-results/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_5713.jpgLightfast testingworking in the windowhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_0506.jpgIMG_05062019-11-10T17:16:24+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/07/21/new-inspirations-and-lessons/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/version-2-21.jpgVersion 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/version-2-11.jpgVersion 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080581-11.jpgP1080581 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_89551.jpgIMG_8955Wool, dyed in cochinealhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_89531.jpgIMG_8953Wool, dyed in madderhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_89451.jpgIMG_8945cotton dyed in weldhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_89441.jpgIMG_8944silk dyed in weld https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_89401.jpgIMG_8940Cotton and ramie: the sample on the right definitely is a brighter green, when the indigo was dyed first, followed by tannin, mordant, and broom dyebath.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080591-1.jpgP1080591 (1)2019-11-10T17:14:24+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/10/14/growing-color-a-symposium-and-a-lifestyle/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p9220023.jpgP9220023.JPGBlack walnuthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p9210013.jpgP9210013.JPGMarigoldhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1897.jpgimg_1897https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1882.jpgimg_1882Ellis, Primary Colors, detailhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1874.jpgimg_1874Ellis, Primary Colors, detailhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_0020.jpgimg_0020https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/indigo.jpgindigoEllis, Primary Colors, detailhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ellis-primary-colors-detail-1.jpgellis-primary-colors-detail-1Ellis, Primary Colors, detailhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/yellow-detail.jpgyellow-detailEllis, Primary Colors, detailhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/red-detail.jpgred-detailEllis, Primary Colors, detail2019-11-10T17:11:19+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/02/19/how-much-indigo-in-the-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_9776-e1487537383572.jpgimg_9776https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_9775-e1487537417144.jpgimg_9775https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_9774.jpgimg_9774https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/scan-545.jpgscan-545Dye tests done with a single long dip in the three different vatshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_9825.jpgimg_9825Three indigo vats reduced with fructose: 8 grams, 5 grams, and 2 grams of indigo per liter 2019-11-10T17:10:20+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/09/22/eucalyptus-whats-in-the-dye/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_9416.jpgimg_9416Henna, (Lawsonia intermis) which contains flavonols (mainly luteolin), naphthaquinone (lawsone) and tannins: (left to right) mordanted wool 30 minutes in bath, mordanted wool 1 hour in bath, un-mordanted wool 1 hour in bath. The un-mordanted wool is slightly more red than the sample with mordant. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_9404.jpgimg_9404Alum mordanted linen fabrics dyed with small branches of dyer’s broom (Genista tinctoria). Time in bath ranged from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The most brilliant yellow was achieved after 30 minutes. After that time the color got deeper and duller, most likely from the tannins released.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/version-21.jpgVersion 2Eucalyptus cinerea, (left to right): no mordant, 2 hour bath with mordant, 30 minute bath with mordanthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_93932.jpgimg_9393Eucalyptus globulus, (left to right): no mordant, 2 hour bath with mordant, 30 minute bath with mordant https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_93812.jpgimg_9381Eucalyptus cinera and Eucalyputs globulus on alum-mordanted wool after 30 minutes in dyebath 2024-05-21T22:39:45+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/05/06/how-to-finish-indigo-and-a-natural-dye-book-in-the-works/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/indigo-discharge-12.jpgindigo discharge 12https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/indigo-discharge-11.jpgindigo discharge 11silk, neutralized fabric on lefthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/indigo-discharge-10.jpgindigo discharge 10Cotton, neutralized fabric on lefthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_0092.jpgIMG_0092https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_0095.jpgIMG_0095https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/version-2.jpgVersion 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/version-2-1.jpgVersion 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sample-set-b.jpgSample Set Bhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sample-set-b-dyed-in-indigo.jpgSample set B, dyed in indigo2019-11-10T17:08:14+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/04/26/digging-deeper-into-a-single-dye-madder-rubia-cordifolia/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/madder-3.jpgmadder % 3Madder % range on woolhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/madder-2.jpgmadder % 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/madder-1.jpgmadder % 1Dye % range and exhaust baths2020-11-26T11:17:24+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/07/04/dyes-from-the-local-food-co-op/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kimberly-coyne-e28093-version-2.jpgKimberly Coyne – Version 2fermented buckthorn bark dye, photo by Kimberly Coynehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sassafras-kimberly-coyne.jpgsassafras - Kimberly CoyneSassafras bark - photo by Kimberly Coynehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kimberly-coyne.jpgKimberly Coyneferrous acetate comparison - photo by Kimberly Coynehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kimberly-coyne-1.jpgKimberly Coynehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080547.jpgP1080547https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080535.jpgP1080535samples ready for cuttinghttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080532.jpgP1080532Bloodroot dyehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080531.jpgP1080531Mahoniahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080530.jpgP1080530https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1080528.jpgP1080528St. Johns Wort dye2019-11-10T17:04:39+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/09/11/black-walnut-season/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/woven-shibori-cover.jpgwoven-shibori-coverCatharine's new edition of Woven Shibori, focused on natural dye, is available from local booksellers or Amazon.comhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/walnut-on-tree.jpgwalnut-on-treehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1040978.jpgp1040978Wool woven shibori, indigo dyed and over-dyed with black walnuthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_9312.jpgimg_9312Walnut has been cooked long enough to split open the exocarp or outer skin https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_9306.jpgimg_9306Fresh and dried walnuts and the actual “nut” inside the fruit https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/walnut-time-photo-2.jpg2 dry walnuts per 15 grams fiber2 dry walnuts per 15 grams fiberhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/dry-vs-fresh.jpgdry-vs-freshone walnut per 20 grams of fiber. Dry walnut vs. fresh https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/dry-1-vs-2.jpgdry-1-vs-22024-09-15T13:42:54+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/02/05/the-importance-of-thinking-for-a-natural-dyer/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/p1080146.jpgP1080146Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) in powder formhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/p1070012.jpgP1070012Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan) on silk: the first dyeing before the “middle mordanting” https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/p1070151-1.jpgVersion 2Alum and dye in the same bath. The dye has bonded with the alum and become an insoluble pigment or lake. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/p1070151.jpgP1070151https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/p1070025.jpgP1070025Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan) on silk yarn after the “middle mordanting” and subsequent dyeing https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_8355.jpgIMG_8355Comparison of “middle mordant” and “pre-mordant” on silk. Weld (Reseda luteola) dye.2019-11-10T17:01:49+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/10/02/weld-reseda-luteola/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/p5205719.jpgP5205719.JPGWeld will grown over 6 feet tall the second yearhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lightafst-1.jpglightafst 1Recent lightfast tests using yellows harvested from my garden, August, 2015. Weld (Reseda luteola), Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria), and Dyer’s broom (Genista tinctoria) all contain the same colorant, luteolin https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_7496.jpgIMG_7496Seedlings coming up in the garden today. These self sowed from the plants. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_7491.jpgIMG_7491Weld seedlings in the gravel outside my studio, where I strip the plants after drying https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_7073.jpgIMG_7073Dried weld (leave and flowers) stored for later use and the discarded stems, which don’t contain much dye. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_7069.jpgIMG_7069Weld + indigo, used with woven shibori resists https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_6983.jpgIMG_6983Weld + .5% iron on cotton and linenhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_6969.jpgWEld on cotton with tannin and aluminum acetate mordantWeld on cotton with tannin and aluminum acetate mordanthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_6949.jpgIMG_6949https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_6614.jpgIMG_6614When plants are hung upside down to dry, it is easy to harvest seeds2019-11-10T16:44:17+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/06/03/broom-update/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/samples-2.jpgIMG_6297left, cotton woven shibori with various mordants, right, wool with alum mordant. dyed with broomhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dyed-samples.jpgIMG_6286cotton, left with various mordants, wool right with alum mordanthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/broom-detail.jpgbroom, detaildyer's broom, detailhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/broom-in-bloom.jpgbroom in bloombroom in bloom2019-11-10T16:41:00+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/05/27/maintaining-and-troubleshooting-an-organic-indigo-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_3782.jpgIMG_3782my current indigo vat, 30 gallonshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_5623.jpgIMG_5623surface of a healthy vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_4428.jpgindigo + fructosedye test stripshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_3968.jpgIMG_3968Jacquard woven shibori, indigo dye2023-10-03T18:35:28+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/05/14/a-lesson-about-dye-plants-broom/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_5815.jpgIMG_5815Cytisus scoparius, left Genista tinctoria, righthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_5808.jpgIMG_5808Cotton with various mordants applied for printing (alum, ferrous, titanium). Sample, left, dyed with scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) Sample, center, dyed with dyer’s broom, (Genista tinctoria), 15 minute extraction Sample, right, dyed with dyer’s broom (Genista tinctoria), 1 hour extraction https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_5807.jpgIMG_5807Mordanted wool: left, scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), right, dyer’s broom, (Genista tinctoria)2020-05-21T21:57:53+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/05/09/world-connections-through-natural-dyeing-please-become-a-part-of-this/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/logwood-tree-mexico.jpglogwood tree mexicologwood tree, Oaxacahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/conservatory-garden-of-dye-plants-lauris-e28093-version-2.jpgConservatory Garden of Dye Plants, Lauris – Version 2OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/logwood-tree-oaxaca-mexico.jpglogwood tree, oaxaca, mexicoLogwood tree, Oaxaca, Mexicohttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/logowod-heartwood-mexico.jpgLogowod heartwood, mexicoHeartwood of the logwood treehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/image-7.jpgImage-7Rocco at the indigo tanks.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/image-5.jpgImage-5Indigo tanks, where they hope to process indigo this fall in Oaxaca, Mexico2019-11-10T16:39:11+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/06/01/what-is-local-color/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/local-plant-tests.jpglocal plant testsInitial test of local plants on silk with alum mordant and post mordant of ferrous acetate. Garden dye plants included for comparison. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/lac-6.jpglac % 6Raffia weaving: red dyed with teak leaves, brown from tannin and iron rich mud, blue from fresh leaf indigo. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100932.jpgP1100932Resulting color after the ash has been addedhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100928.jpgP1100928Working in the ashhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100924.jpgP1100924Wood ash is added to the bark dye. As the ash is added the color deepens and reddens. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100894.jpgP1100894https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100889.jpgP1100889Inner bark of sapling (Acricocarpus excelsus) used for dyehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100874.jpgP1100874Direct indigo dye (no vat) is the source of blue and purple. Yellow from bark of Hiragana madagascariensis.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100770.jpgP1100770Raffia dyed directly with indigo leaves (Indigofera erecta)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100713.jpgP1100713Peeling away bark from tree (Hiragana madagascarensis). Bark is taken from one side only, in order to keep the tree healthy. 2019-11-10T16:38:19+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/10/13/re-visiting-local-plants/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_0765.jpgIMG_0765Flavonoid dyes after 3 weeks exposure to direct sun2019-11-10T16:37:11+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/01/16/indigo-reduction-materials/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/p1090806.jpgp1090806https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/p1090805.jpgp1090805https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/scan-538.jpgscan-538"Vegetable vats" after 24 hours and 5 days. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/scan-536.jpgscan-536Vats were made with fructose and dextrosehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/scan-535.jpgscan-535Samples dyed in the vat 1 day after making the vat and 9 days later. Reduction of the indigo vat is sometimes not complete for several days. The vat made with cooked lemon rinds never reduced well and continued to have a great deal of un-reduced material deep throughout the vat. All dying is a single dip in the vat. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/root-vegetable-indigo-2-day-vat.jpgroot vegetable indigo 2 day vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/pectin-indigo-10-day-vat.jpgpectin indigo 10 day vathttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_9724.jpgimg_9724https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_9721.jpgimg_9721https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_9719.jpgimg_97192024-07-02T10:14:31+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/06/21/alum-in-the-dyepot-how-do-you-mordant-your-textiles/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img_0051-e1498070824942.jpgIMG_0051https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/version-2.jpgVersion 2small bundles of charcoal in the markethttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/version-2-1.jpgVersion 2large bags of charcoal in the markethttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100918.jpgP1100918https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100908.jpgP1100908https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100907.jpgP1100907https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100904.jpgP1100904https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100744.jpgP1100744https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/p1100640.jpgP11006402019-11-10T16:33:36+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2018/01/22/indigo-dyeing-time-and-patience/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/growingcolor.jpgGrowingColorhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/multiple-dips.jpgmultiple dipsIndigo on cotton, silk, and wool with multiple 15 minute dipshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/indigo-and-time.jpgindigo and timeIndigo on cotton, silk, and wool, each with a single diphttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shibori-short-exposure-1.jpgshibori short exposure (1)Cotton, itajimi shibori sample, multiple immersions (20 minutes each)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shibori-long-exosure-1.jpgshibori long exosure (1)Cotton, itajimi shibori sample, single immersion, (24 hours)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wool-indigo-time-lightfastness-2.jpgwool indigo time lightfastness 2lightfast test: wool (right side exposed to sun 4 weeks)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/time-exposure-2.jpgtime exposure 2Fabric woven of wool and cotton yarns. After a single 20-minute immersion, the cotton fiber is darker. After 2 hours, both fibers are close to the same color. After 18 hours, the wool has absorbed a great deal more indigo while the cotton has maxed out. Multiple dips in the vat are required to achieve very dark blues on cotton. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/silk-indigo-time-lightfastness-3.jpgsilk indigo time lightfastness 3lightfast test: silk (right side exposed to sun 4 weeks)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/indigo-dobby-weave.jpgindigo, dobby weaveCotton, woven shibori, multiple indigo dipshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cotton-indigo-time-lightfastness.jpgcotton. indigo time lightfastnesslightfast test: cotton (4 weeks exposure to direct sunlight)2020-12-07T10:59:01+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2018/05/20/cross-dyeing-with-natural-dyes/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cross-dye-1.jpgcross dye (1)Silk and rayon, dyed with indigo and rhubarbhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1500-1.jpgIMG_1500 (1)Wool and cotton, dyed with indigo and alkanethttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_14981.jpgIMG_1498Wool and cotton, dyed with indigo and rhubarb.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/art-and-science-of-natural-dyes-back.jpgArt and Science of Natural Dyes backhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/art-and-science-of-natural-dyes1.jpgArt and Science of Natural Dyeshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cross-dye.jpgcross dyeLinen and silk, dyed with indigo + cochineal rhubarb, madder, and madder.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/the-mountaineer.jpglinen and cashmere yarnYarn is made by plying linen and cashmere. Left: Indigo dye only, Right, indigo overdid with safflower petals.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_9520.jpgIMG_9520Top: black walnut dye only on wool and cotton. Bottom: indigo and black walnut on wool and cotton , with resistshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_9516.jpgIMG_9516Indigo dye on cotton and wool fabric. The cotton is a deep blue, while the wool is very light, although they were dyed in the same bath. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_6171.jpgIMG_6171Belt from northern Morocco, woven in wool and cotton, dyed with acid dyes.2019-11-10T16:27:43+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2018/07/26/indigo-harvest-in-okinawa/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/adding-lime.jpgadding limeAdding limehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/wighing-down1.jpgweighing downweighting the plantshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/weight-complete1.jpgweight completehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/version-21.jpgVersion 2rinsing the leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/version-2-11.jpgVersion 2Removing the leaveshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/tossing-leaves1.jpgtossing leavesAdding the indigo plantshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/surface-bubbles1.jpgsurface bubbleshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/straining-last-of-leaves-from-pigment1.jpgstraining last of leaves from pigmenthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/soaking-liquid1.jpgsoaking liquidhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/soaking-liquid-11.jpgsoaking liquid2020-05-18T20:44:43+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2018/08/06/are-all-oak-galls-equal/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/white-oak-galls.jpgwhite oak gallsWhite oak galls from Missourihttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/white-oak-gall.jpgwhite oak gallwhite oak gall, groundhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/scan.jpgScanhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/scan-3.jpgScan 3https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/scan-1.jpgScan 1https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/red-oak-gall.jpgred oak gallscarlet oak gall, groundhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_2702.jpgIMG_2702https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_2699.jpgIMG_2699https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_2696.jpgIMG_2696Left to right: white oak, scarlet oak, ground aleppo, Aleppo extracthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_2680.jpgIMG_26802023-11-13T13:09:59+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2018/10/04/its-goldenrod-season/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/newfoundland-goldenrod.jpgnewfoundland goldenrodGoldenrod and thistles, Newfoundland, CAhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/new-england-asters-and-goldenroddenver-botanical-gardens.jpgNew England asters and goldenrod:Denver Botanical GardensGoldenrod and New England Asters, photo from Denver Botanical Gardenshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/new-england-aster-and-grod-denver.jpgNew England Aster and grod Denverhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3141.jpgIMG_3141100 grams of dried flowers (left) and 300 grams fresh flowers (right)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3137.jpgIMG_3137Goldenrod, western North Carolinahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/goldenrod.jpgGoldenrodGoldenrod flowers, gathered in western North Carolinahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/goldenrod-samples.jpggoldenrod samples2024-09-17T20:55:55+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2018/10/31/where-is-your-indigo-grown/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/smoking-tobacco.jpgsmoking tobaccoSome Tennessee grown tobacco is cured by smoking with wood firehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/test-pigment.jpgtest pigmentPigment extracted from test extractionshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/drying.jpgdryingStony Creek is experimenting with extraction from dried plant material in order to extend the production season.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/tintoria-seeds.jpgtintoria seedsIndigofera tinctoria seed podshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/suffruticosa-seeds.jpgsuffruticosa seeds Indigofera suffruticosa seed podshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/trucks.jpgtrucksTruck trailers used for indigo harvest and initial steeping of plants. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/tropical.jpgtropicalTropical indigo plants (Indigofera suffruticosa), harvested and continuing to grow in foreground, not yet harvested in backgroundhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/tlc.jpgTLCYoshiko Wada, and Summer Arrowood, Stony Creek’s dye chemist, observing the results of TLC, (thin layer chromatography), used to determine whether indigo pigment samples that Yoshiko had were natural or synthetic. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/test-extractions2.jpgtest extractions2Vessels for test extractions of pigment. Sarah is holding the piping used for introducing oxygen into the indigo extraction in order to precipitate the pigment.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/stainless-2.jpgVersion 2Stainless tanks are used for aerating the indigo.2019-11-10T16:23:13+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2019/03/01/madder-roots-harvest-and-comparisons/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/book-e1551448791158.jpgbookhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/garden-series-madder-detail.jpgGarden Series: Madder, detail of finished pieceGarden Series: Madder, detail of finished piecehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_4509-1.jpgimg_4509https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_0963.jpgimg_0963digging the rootshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_0954.jpgimg_0954cleaned rootshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_0944.jpgimg_0944roots from the gardenhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_4509.jpgimg_4509process and tests for the finished workhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/grinder.jpggrinderhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/madder-root-and-ground.jpgmadder root and groundMadder root: whole, chopped before drying, and groundhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/madder-comparison-wool.jpgmadder comparison woolGround madder root @ 50% w.o.f. on wool. Left to right: Rubia tinctorium from my garden, Rubia tinctorium from France, Rubia cordifolia from India (Maiwa)2024-09-09T23:17:10+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2019/08/30/a-new-use-for-walnuts-the-indigo-vat/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/screen-shot-2019-08-30-at-11.06.33-am.pngScreen Shot 2019-08-30 at 11.06.33 AMhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/screen-shot-2019-08-30-at-11.06.02-am.pngScreen Shot 2019-08-30 at 11.06.02 AMhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_6047.jpgIMG_6047https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_6046.jpgIMG_6046https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_5776.jpgIMG_5776https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_5775.jpgIMG_5775https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_5771.jpgIMG_5771https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/drafts.jpgdrafts2021-07-05T01:11:47+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2019/06/07/a-cautionary-tale-indigo-and-reducing-chemicals/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/chemical-vs-sugar.jpgchemical vs sugarWool yarns were dyed in a vat made with 4 grams indigo/liter. Yarns have not been neutralized. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/nick-falduto.jpgNick Faldutohttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_9773.jpgIMG_9773https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_5097.jpgIMG_5097https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_5095.jpgIMG_5095https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_5091.jpgIMG_5091https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_5090.jpgIMG_50902025-05-29T12:44:08+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2018/10/25/update-on-the-book-the-art-and-science-of-natural-dye/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art-and-science-of-natural-dyes.jpgArt and Science of Natural Dyeshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art-and-science-of-natural-dyes-dragged.jpgArt and Science of Natural Dyes (dragged)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pom-3.jpgpom 3indigo dischargehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pom-2.jpgpom 2indigo printhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pom-1.jpgpom 1cochineal variations on silkhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pom.jpgpompomegranate dye variationshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/black-walnut-on-wool.jpgblack walnut on woolblack walnut on woolhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3284.jpgIMG_3284printing of ferrous acetate with different tannins and dyehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3283.jpgIMG_3283comparison of mordants on cellulosehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3282.jpgIMG_3282madder root with exhaust baths2020-03-01T22:28:59+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2017/01/30/what-we-call-things/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_9756-1.jpgimg_9756-1https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tageteslucida244.jpgtageteslucida244Tagetes lucida, photo from Wikipediahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/pericon_tagates_lucida_flowers_300.jpgpericon_tagates_lucida_flowers_300Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) seed source. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/p1090601.jpgp1090601Jacobo and Maria Luisa Mendoza, Teotitlan weavers and natural dyers in their home studio, with Rocio Mena Gutierrezhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/p1090132.jpgp1090132Alejandro de Ávila at the Botanical Gardens in Oaxaca.https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/p1090115.jpgp1090115Variety of marigold at the Botanical Gardenshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_9756.jpgimg_9756Dry and fresh dye materialshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/chamomile.jpgchamomileFresh chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria), Maiwa dried chamomile flowers (Anthemis tinctoria), Mexican chamomile (Tagetes lucida)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/chamomile-1.jpgchamomile-1Lightfastness tests. Right side was exposed to direct sun for 3+ weeks. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/02273_01_mexmintmarig.jpg02273_01_mexmintmarig2021-03-06T02:15:22+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/06/28/book-is-out-teaching-at-penland/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1080463.jpgP1080463Indigo discharge printinghttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_8863.jpgIMG_8863Great way to identify dyepotshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1080488.jpgP1080488Inks made from natural dye lakeshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1080484.jpgP1080484Painting with madder lake and maya bluehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fullsizerender.jpgFullSizeRenderhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fullsizerender-3.jpgFullSizeRender (3)On the shelf at Penland Supply Storehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fullsizerender-2.jpgFullSizeRender (2)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fullsizerender-1.jpgFullSizeRender (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellis-boutrup.jpgellis-boutrupWool yarns, natural dye - photo by Robin Dreyerhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ellis-boutrup-7.jpgellis-boutrup-72016-07-01T11:30:45+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/04/05/woven-shibori-and-teaching-natural-dyeing/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/12936588_10153902318995831_2940625652872529690_n-2.jpg12936588_10153902318995831_2940625652872529690_n (2)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/zce-2-1.jpgzce 2 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/zce3-1.jpgzce3 (1)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/zce3.jpgzce3https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/zce-2.jpgzce 2https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/p2067172.jpgIII.3.15Mordant printing, mordant discharge, dyed with indigo and pomegranatehttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/p1050042.jpgP1050042Indigo variations with woven shiborihttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_6205.jpgIMG_6205mordant printing, dyed with cochinealhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_6126.jpgIMG_6126Mordant printing, dyed with osage and weldhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/p5045147.jpgP5045147.JPGMichel Garcia, coming from the dye garden in Lauris, France2016-04-14T14:50:20+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/02/26/why-i-switched-from-synthetic-to-natural-dyes/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_8409.jpgIMG_8409Sodium hydrosulfite or thioruea dioxide used to be both the reduction agent for indigo and a discharge agent for dyes. Now I use plants and sugars to reduce the indigo vat and citric acid or lemon juice to discharge mordants. 2016-11-28T08:19:26+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/01/16/more-thoughts-on-natural-dye-and-cultural-exchange-in-china/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/p1070455.jpgP1070455Yoshiko Wad and Edith Cheung in Jinze Town. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/p1070308.jpgP1070308Gromwell on silk with camellia ash mordanthttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/image3.jpgimage3Purple Gromwell roots (Arnebiae radix)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/p1070235.jpgP1070235Madder root on silk clothhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/image1-1.jpgimage1 (1)Kneading the gromwell root, drawing by Wang Danhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/image1.jpgimage1Gromwell on silkhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/image2.jpgimage2Gromwell on silk yarn2016-05-14T10:27:15+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2016/01/15/dyeing-naturally-and-cultural-exchange-in-china/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_8331.jpgIMG_8331Colors obtained from safflower petalshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/tubu.jpgtubuCotton tubu fabricshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/yamazaki-with-safflower.jpgyamazaki with safflowerDr. Yamazaki demonstrating one of the steps of safflower dyeing https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/huddle.jpghuddleJapanese to English translation “huddle”. Sketch by workshop participant, Wang Dan https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/safflower-pink-on-cotton-ready-to-use-for-silk-dyeing.jpgSafflower pink on cotton, ready to use for silk dyeing.Safflower pink on cotton, ready to use for silk dyeing https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/tomoko-silks.jpgtomoko silksDr. Tomoko Torimaru with silks dyed by Dr. Yamazaki https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/sillk-yarns.jpgVersion 2Silk yarns dyed with Sappan wood and Madder https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/skein-dyein.jpgskein dyeinPerfecting the process of dyeing silk skeins https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/lake.jpglakeDr. Yamazaki with lake made from lac dye bath https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ash.jpgashCamellia ash used as mordant and pH adjustor 2016-06-02T21:38:26+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/12/10/finding-craftsmanship-and-cooperation-in-peru/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/natural-dye-colors-small1.jpgnatural dye colors smallNatural dyes, Chincherrohttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-15.jpgEllis.15Market walkway, Pisachttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-14.jpgEllis.14Stone work, Machu Picchuhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-6.jpgEllis.6Wari, tie dyed textile, Museo Amano, Lima Peruhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-13.jpgVersion 2Dry stone construction, Machu Picchuhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-4.jpgEllis.4https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-9.jpgEllis.9https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-3.jpgEllis.3Museo Amano, Limahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-11.jpgEllis.11Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez and her mother, Guadalupe Alvarez De Callanaupahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ellis-10.jpgEllis.10Detail, woven edging on textile2023-04-13T13:21:50+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/08/03/playing-with-dyes/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/p4087787-2.jpgWoven shibori with indigo and lichen – Version 2Wool and cotton cloth, dyed with indigo and lichenhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/p4087824.jpgLichen dyed fabricsOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/p4087787.jpgWoven shibori with indigo and lichenWool and cotton, dyed with lichen and indigohttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_2599.jpgIMG_2599Lichen attached to fallen birch branchhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_2528.jpgIMG_2528Wool and cotton cloth after 1hour in the dyebathhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_2504.jpgIMG_2504Wool and cotton cloth at the start of the lichen dye bathhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_1472.jpgIMG_1472Foliose and fruiticose lichenhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_1464.jpgIMG_14642015-10-21T06:44:33+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/07/01/a-case-for-natural-dyeing-taking-small-steps-in-a-big-world/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/p1050040.jpgP1050040fabrics dyed with various yellow plant dyeshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6340.jpgIMG_6340Weld in the garden, ready to be harvestedhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/madder-and-weld.jpgmadder and weldhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/garden.jpggardenmy vegetable gardenhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/creek.jpgcreekthe creek behind my dye studio2015-12-22T00:09:31+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/06/24/a-natural-dye-workshop/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1040904.jpgP1040904The “palette” https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6608.jpgIMG_6608Indigo dyeing into the night…. https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6589.jpgIMG_6589Indigo vat, fully reduced https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6588.jpgIMG_6588Stock solutions, ready to be added to the vatshttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6509.jpgIMG_6509Charlotte Kwon, laying out samples to dry 2015-06-25T00:37:46+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/2015/06/10/natural-color-fiber-and-dye/https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6410.jpgIMG_6410Alpaca, woven shibori resist, dyed with madder (rubia tinctoria), inspired by check patterned textile from China and Mexicohttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p4240013.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERARhubarb Root and Madder on white wool, brown alpaca, and grey mixed wool and alpacahttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1040413.jpganimal market in kashgarAnimal market, Kashgarhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1040085.jpgP1040085Wool textile, Xinjiang Regional Museumhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6389.jpgIMG_6389Alpaca, various colors in warp and weft, dyed with madder (rubia tincotia) and weld (reseda luteola)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6386.jpgIMG_6386Alpaca, woven shibori resist, dyed with madder (rubia tinctoria)https://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_5348.jpgIMG_5348Wool textile, Xinjiang Regional Museumhttps://blog.ellistextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_5255.jpgIMG_5255Alpaca, various colors in warp and weft, dyed with madder (rubia cordifolia)2015-06-16T11:36:55+00:00monthlyhttps://blog.ellistextiles.comdaily1.02026-02-14T01:15:49+00:00