From Back Yard to Dye Pots
(originally published June 1, 2020)
What I'm trying to say is: I'm not sure why it took me so long to try dyeing with them. Most "woody" dyestuff (bark - cones - woods) are high in tannins - so they can be used to mordant or dye on their own. Tannins are also used to help cellulose fibers take color, so I was able to achieve this same lovely terra-cotta color on both cotton and linen as well as this Montana raised Icelandic wool. I am in love. Perhaps in my future I'll get my hands on enough linen yardage for a dress or skirt and dye it this way. It would be hard to resist making myself a fir cone dress. I'm guessing that there will be some variation between the shades you could get between species of conifer - like the variations in pinks and greens you can get when dyeing with ferns. I'll have to scope out other trees and document when I next do a pot.
Also important: Icelandic Sheepdog pup Runi shares my love of pinecones - while we were busy collecting these from the yard, he was busy stealing them from the dye-pot and tossing them in the air with glee. Very helpful.