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Weld

Posted 10/3/2008 7:28pm by Eugene Wyatt.

Maillot

Weld (reseda luteola) is a plant native to Europe and has been used as a dyestuff since medieval times. Vermeer is said to have glazed weld over an indigo blue to produce the once brilliant, but age darkened, greens of Girl with a Pearl Earring (ca. 1666).

Dye Weld at 3% WOF for the dark hues (as in the yarn photo above), 1% WOF for light hues after having mordanted the yarn with Alum as described in Natural Dye Workshop 9. Follow the Immersion Dyeing procedures outlined in the Natural Dye Workshop 10.

From my newfound passion for bicycling comes the name for this bright yellow yarn, Maillot as in maillot jaune. Lance Armstrong, the 7 time winner of the Tour de France, has worn the color well. After 2 years in retirement, he will ride the Tour once again in 2009. Je vous souhaite bonne chance, Lance.

Yarn in Maillot is available from the Naturally Dyed Yarn department of the Yarn Store.

Tags: Hand Dyeing Workshop, Natural Colors, Weld

4 Comments »

JoEllen Estenson said,

10/5/2008 @ 7:48 pm

The vividness of your yarns leap out at me from the pictures-- such a kaleidoscope of color! Makes me want to take up my knitting needles now, but the gardens are calling for autumn clean up so I will have to save the knitting for another day. The "maillot" radiates warmth and makes me smile! JE

Eugene Wyatt said,

10/7/2008 @ 6:43 am

Weld, indigo and cochineal are the most vivid natural dyestuffs. I plan to soon dye some many-colored yarns, called 'variegated, but "kaleidoscope" is a better name for the group of them, thanks for the idea.

'I before E except after C as in variegated but not in kaleidoscope...'

JE said,

10/7/2008 @ 10:04 am

Doggone it, ain't it great to be so literate, Eugene -- you betcha! Not only can we spell, but we can put a noun and a verb together correctly (unlike some folks who are running for national office).
What kind of yarns were we discussing???? JE

Eugene Wyatt said,

10/7/2008 @ 8:15 pm

Bless their hearts.