#how to dye fabric with fruits and vegetables

[leviathan-supersystem]

it feels like many self-described leftists hold similar beliefs about the baseline of existence in this world as those of liberals, where humans exist as fully formed theoretical astral beings devoid of any needs (kind of the base assumption for the "free trade" too!), where the abundance of food and household items just inherently exists as an abstract unchangeable fact instead of being the product of a very very large number of extremely exploited people being overworked beyond all limits and living in absolute squalor, just to plant, grow, water, harvest, package and transport the vegetables and the fruit that just "magically appears" at their stores. they genuinely feel so alienated from all the necessary work required for them to live in my eyes they barely understand that it's like, hard? all of it? growing and harvesting crops, manufacturing fabric, dyeing, printing, sewing, developing and creating 100000000 types of medicine, making steel, glass, plastic, etc etc. -- all of it takes a lot of work! work is not "inherently morally good" it just tends to be good because it makes us not die in the worst case, and not live miserably in the best case.

i mean, yeah, it would be awesome if food, shelter, clean drinking water, clothes, furniture all just appeared fully formed, ready to use! i would fucking love that! but in the physical flesh realm, where i exist, all of those things rely on an insanely large network of real flesh and blood humans who have to dedicate a good chunk of their life time and life force to make sure those get created, and actually hold that promise practically every single day.

"No one should have to work" ok, then, in a society where no one works, how will you eat?

"oh, some people will just work anyway" ok, then you admit that you DO want some people to work, or at the very least feel morally obligated to work? or do you just want the proletriat to be "someone else", just not you?

should those people who "will work anyway" not also have the right to not work? and when they make use of that right, what will you do to address the resulting shortages?

if those people in the comments and reblogs even just had to do something simple, like be roommates with someone who didnt feel like they are obligated to do the dishes, and left their dirty dishes all over the place, sure, they might clean up once or twice, but at some point they would absolutely confront that person, and it would absolutely make a difference to them if that person genuinely cannot clean up after themselves or just sees them as their personal housemaid. how does that not make a difference?

anyway, if you have 2 leftists, and one doesn't feel obligated to grow or forage food, and the other doesn't feel obligated to prepare it - what do they eat?

if those people in the comments and reblogs even just had to do something simple, like be roommates with someone who didnt feel like they are obligated to do the dishes, and left their dirty dishes all over the place,

war flashbacks when i read this part

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

September 27th - Cooking / Tsum

The red apples shine under the store light as a hand grabs two. Pink lips of rose petals stretch in a sweet smile of softness as those nimble fingers feel the firmness of the fruit. Riddle Rosehearts Clover shops in the grocery store on a lovely summer, dressed in a red tee shirt one size and height bigger than him and black jeans, his little basket in hand filled with some fruits, some vegetables, and some red hair dye.

Today’s a very special day for Riddle, recently nearing the end of university, living in the same apartment with his dear sweet boyfriend, and adopted into the loving family of his childhood best friend, and on shopping trips like these he can be alone happily in his thoughts. He can buy as many sweets and foods as he wants. He can get the hair dye he desires. He can wear whatever he feels comfortable in without anyone’s judging eye. He can walk these aisle with a head held high and a proud heart. And it was all thanks to a very rebellious soul who came into his dorm, stole his tart, and stole his heart and soul.

Riddle giggles as he grabs a carton of milk from one of the many fridges, his sneaker covered feet making a little squeak as he moves so eagerly like a child in the circus but graceful like a ballet dancer, he hums the tune in the store’s speaker current song above him. He spins his lilith body on his toe tips as he places the carton in his basket, sneaking a small sniff of his shirt with a warm smile as his mind drifted back to earlier that morning. . .

Ace and Riddle got up their usual time their usual way with Riddle spending his first 20 seconds of the morning attempting to kiss every last freckle on his beloved’s body until Ace woke up and attacked him back with cuddles and smooches. By the time they finally got out of bed and worked together in making breakfast they both can enjoy but not too big it’d waste when they’re in their classes.

Riddle looked at the little pile of clean laundry as his boyfriend talked to him about some test that day and his project with his classmates that afternoon. “So yeah I might be back a little later but that's fine—” Ace pauses when he notices at last how eerily quiet it has gotten, not even a peep of their annoyingly loud neighbors is comforting at this moment. Nervously, he turned his head.

His heart stopped and froze. Standing there in the sweat pants from the thrift store and a big red tee shirt bigger than his tiny body is his adorable Riddle standing under the sunlight with a giggling fit of joyous cackles. Ace snorts and leans on the counter grinning, “Hey now, do we have a thief in our hands rosebud~?” Riddle only responded back with a giggle and a hug close to the fabric around him. “You’re just too cute, you know that?”

Riddle giggles to himself and hops a bit on the heels of his feet. He adores how warm and comforting his little knave of hearts make him feel! His kind eyes, his cheeky grins, his stars on his flesh, his magic tricks that leaves him in awe. That is why the lad decided to make a nice dinner for his card soldier for his hard work in classes!

“Okay then,” He whispered to himself, looking to the signs above the aisles, “Next on my list—”

“Rosebud, I’m back!” Ace called into the dimmed apartment, slipping out of his sneakers and into his indoor slippers. It has been a long day for the boy, classes were hard as always, his project he’s hoping will be done by deadline, and by the time it was over it was always long since dark out. But he is home now, ready to dive face first into his bed and snuggle up with his red headed angel, watch a movie, maybe even have a little—

A smell stops him from his daydreaming of his night ahead of him. He sniffs the air for a second before peeking into their small kitchen.

Riddle hums as he lightly messes with the pan, the sizzling sound making a sort of music with his humming melody, dressed the same as this morning with one of those corny “Kiss The Chef” aprons Trey got as a joke last Christmas. The warm soft yellow lights from the ceiling added a eternal angelic look to him, his cheeks were flushed due to the summer season and the frying meat before him which added a little special effects to his already beautiful appearance. The sight alone makes Ace’s mouth water and his heart pound and he hasn’t even smelled dinner yet!

Riddle blinked and turned his head. Instantly, light filled his cool eyes as a bright smile that rivals the sun and stars combined explodes in his face. “Ace! Welcome home!” He cheered, turning off the stove as he excitedly moved about. “I have just finished making some dinner, come sit!” Well how can I say no to that? Thought Ace, not wasting a second sitting his tired toosh down on one of the seats in front of their little kitchen island. He watched in eager excitement and blissful awe as Riddle carefully set his plate, the scent of spices already filling his nose as he smiled.

Ace looked at his place once it was finished, looking at the well made steak pieces blended well with lots of veggies and rice, the scent was incredible just as it was amazing to look at. “It’s Pepper Steak Stir-Fry,” Riddle explained, holding the ends of his apron shyly as blush erupts across his entire face, the scene and shyness of his voice creates rapid beats and pounds of Ace’s already swelling love filled and fueled heart. “I just know you were working really hard so I wanted to treat you to something you love.”

And that was it. That killed Ace Trappola instantly.

Without much warning, he wraps his arms around Riddle’s tiny waist and smothers his cheeks in tons of kisses. “How dare you be so cute?” Riddle can only laugh and struggle as he keeps getting love bombed by his boyfriend.

A bit of day 26th and 27th with Domestic vibes and cooking but here's my story for @ridoaceweek!!!

I wanted to combine both of their cooking events and found a recipe for Pepper Steak Stir-Fry which looks amazing and fits PERFECTLY in my prompt!

[kolbietheaggrievedwriter]

white moonlight au ahead. pretend it's an animated shot, a manhwa panel, or whatever makes you visualise better with this writing style.

the one below is a description of how i envision niren and elliot's white moonlight. (he's become his own character helpme— he has become a monster from too much brainrot. i'm the hostage chat.)

(A pale and slim hand can be seen moving in and out of frame, sewing a furred coat with grace and care. The nails seem to be bitten short, the ends of their fingers with small, almost not-there callouses. The coat is dyed a dark red, almost brown, that has small yet beautifully etched and painted flowers, leaves, branches, and little animals into the seams of the cloak. His arms are covered in small, crisscrossing scars; some are still pink from healing, while the others are starting to blend in with the rest of his skin.

The angle then moves upwards, briefly showing the tunic that was handmade by its wearer, and the first thing that catches your eye is his long black hair that is tied with a simple fabric scrap. Although his black hair may not be luscious as his prince's nor the nobles locks, or as attention grabbingly bright as his darling knight's red hair. His is just a simple black, that may seem blue under the moonlight. Though the colour may seem dull, it does make it easier to playfully scare the little urchins that visit him at night. His hair is soft and unmatted due to habitual brushing, and it seems to absorb the sunlight that is peeking through the trees and his open window onto him. His brown eyes are curved with mirth as he casually reaches a leg out to sweep away the child running under the table, only to be playfully pushed away and out by her babysitter's leg.

"Ow! That hurts, ya know!" The preteen whines, rubbing at where she was swept by the man who she knows as Gladiolus and is called Lucy by the street kids.

Gladiolus just snorts as he stabs the Chel doll he made — which is already stabbed with many needles, of different varieties too! — with the needle he was using. He bends down and picks up the small child, taking a wooden and handcarved brush to smooth out any of the unruly child's knotted or matted areas of her hair. The blond hair in his hands was washed clean by him earlier that morning, alongside many of the street urchins that had decided his 'witchy, super creepy old house!' was a good location to be their 'headquarters' and now basically live here with him. The brush was wonky, one of the first attempts he had made for the carved brushes he made as a gift to the little princess.

"Don't be a baby, I know that I didn't put that much force into that sweep." He finishes brushing through the hair and hums happily at the sight, now using his hand to run through the blond locks. "Oh, and tell the others that we will be harvesting all of the vegetables and fruits before spring ends. We will also be using the blooming flowers to make perfumes and dyes."

"Hah? Ya should be happy that I understand what yer sayin', old man," She sneers. She rolls her eyes and stands up, grumbling as she pushes away the hand in her hair. "You speak too fancy, some of the kiddies are startin' to catch on and speakin' fancy jus' like y'all."

She walks towards the backdoor leading to the garden and her face forms a grin when she stops by the doorway.

"Hey, witchman, how much are we sellin' off? 'Cuz 'm sure that we're gonna get way more kiddies later this winter since some of the nearby orphanages're running out of space. Might be a good idea ta start stocking up soon for the harsh weather."

"We're still selling off half of them, we'll be getting a shit ton of squash—" A groan of annoyance cuts through his words, causing him to chuckle. "Oh, don't you complain. The squash kept all of us fed even with the sudden influx of citizens coming to us for emergency food."

He sighs happily as he finally finishes up the cloak for Elliot, finally looking up and stretching. He crosses an arm over his chest, the other using it as a platform to hold his jaw, and continues speaking, "The squash will start producing mid-summer and may continue until the first frost. We'll start to save our scraps and dry our hunts later in the summer and the whole autumn, just in case the winter is too long once again."

The barely-teenaged girl nods and goes out to the garden. Though, she makes sure to flip off Gladiolus just before she fully leaves his eyesight. He sighs in fake exasperation while he fully stands up to start packing away the cloak to be delivered to the Academy. )

scene: introducing one of wm's identities known to people, gladiolus! and yes, i called it a cabin previously, but it's more similar to being a house that keeps expanding due to the street kids that keep coming over and ending up staying there full-time, as well as the citizens' way of paying him back for the amount of times he hands out food from his winter stock for free when it's deep into winter.

just a bit of development and appearance reveal for our white moonlight! hope you don't mind the little worldbuilding i added, i imagine that winters would sometimes be longer than usual since the nobles n royalty lean towards the goddess of night and nighttime is, you know, longer in winter.

.... i wrote too much, oops. hope you don't mind! i'm trying to get these lil' rascals of ideas into text before they bury themselves and disappear forever.

Not the Chel doll 😭😭😭 Also we have a name!!! And an appearance!!! He's just been a faceless brown haired guy in an apron to me until now!! Don't ask me why brown hair. Idk. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it!!! It really gives me transmigration novel feels. Like the first chapter before the MC runs into canon characters and/or the plot. Was super interesting considering its my own world in the background + I know they're not going to meet until the main plot is over. Also I liked the worldbuilding! ! It makes sense!! It wasn't too long at all. Once again, I was engaged to the end. You're very good at pulling the reader in!!

[srsonsemr]

What are the Applications of Hydro Extractors?

Hydro extractors, also known as centrifugal extractors, are specialized machines designed to remove excess water or moisture from various materials such as fabrics, yarns, vegetables, and even industrial parts. They achieve this through centrifugal force, where the material is spun at high speeds within a perforated drum. This rapid rotation forces the water outwards, allowing it to escape through the drum’s perforations while the material remains mostly dry.

The Mechanics Behind Efficiency

The efficiency of hydro extractors hinges on their ability to achieve high rotational speeds. As the drum spins, centrifugal force forces the water to the drum’s perimeter, where it’s expelled through the perforations. This process is not only rapid but also effective, significantly reducing drying times compared to traditional methods such as air drying or wringing.

Applications Across Industries

Textile Industry: Hydro extractors play a pivotal role in textile manufacturing by removing excess water from fabrics after washing or dyeing processes. This step is critical as it prepares materials for subsequent processes like drying, finishing, or packaging.

Laundry Services: In commercial laundries, hydro extractors ensure that washed textiles such as towels, linens, and garments are nearly dry before entering the drying cycle. This efficiency not only saves time but also reduces energy costs associated with drying.

Food Processing: Hydro extractors are used to remove water from vegetables, fruits, and even meat products after washing. By minimizing surface moisture, these machines enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and improve the quality of processed foods.

Industrial Applications: Beyond textiles and food, hydro extractors find applications in industries where moisture removal is critical for product quality and efficiency. This includes electronics manufacturing, automotive parts cleaning, and recycling processes.

Benefits Beyond Efficiency

The benefits of hydro extractors extend beyond mere efficiency gains:

Energy Savings: By reducing the moisture content of materials before drying, hydro extractors contribute to significant energy savings in subsequent drying processes.

Improved Product Quality: Materials processed through hydro extractors often exhibit improved quality due to reduced wrinkling, better dye penetration, and enhanced cleanliness.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption translates to reduced carbon footprints, aligning with sustainable manufacturing practices.

Labor Efficiency: Automated operation and rapid processing minimize manual handling and labor requirements, streamlining operations and reducing operational costs.

Choosing the Right Hydro Extractor

Selecting the appropriate hydro extractor depends on several factors, including the type of material, required throughput, and moisture removal efficiency. Factors such as drum capacity, spin speed, and construction materials play crucial roles in determining the extractor’s suitability for specific applications.

Looking Ahead

As industries continue to evolve towards more sustainable and efficient practices, hydro extractors remain at the forefront of innovation in moisture management. From textile mills to food processing plants, these machines exemplify how advanced technology can streamline processes, enhance product quality, and reduce environmental impact.

In conclusion, hydro extractors may not always be the most glamorous equipment in a factory setting, but their impact on operational efficiency and product quality cannot be overstated. As industries embrace advancements in manufacturing technology, these machines will continue to play an essential role in shaping the future of industrial drying and moisture management.

Best Hydro Extractor Manufacturer in India

Are you looking for Best Hydro Extractor Manufacturer in India?, look no further than SR Sons laundry Care Systems, We are a leading manufacturer and supplier of Hydro Extractor in India.

For more details, please contact us!

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Contact No. :- +91–9910904320

Email :- srsons12@gmail.com

[brmchemical]

Safety Protocols for Handling Caustic Sodium Hydroxide in Industrial Settings

Introduction to Caustic Sodium Hydroxide

Caustic Sodium Hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is a powerful base widely used in various industries. Recognized for its potent chemical properties, it plays a crucial role in manufacturing processes, cleaning applications, and more. This blog explores its diverse uses, handling precautions, and how to source high-quality flakes from BRM Chemicals.

Industrial Applications of Caustic Sodium Hydroxide

Caustic Sodium Hydroxide is indispensable in numerous industrial sectors. In the pulp and paper industry, it is used to separate lignin from cellulose fibers, a crucial step in paper manufacturing. The chemical industry relies on it for the production of various substances, including plastics, textiles, and petroleum products. Furthermore, water treatment processes utilize caustic soda to adjust pH levels and remove impurities.

The scope of Caustic Sodium Hydroxide in industrial applications is vast:

Manufacturing: It is used in the production of aluminum, ceramics, and detergents.

Pulp and Paper Industry: Caustic Soda plays a pivotal role in digesting wood chips, which helps in extracting pure cellulose fibers necessary for paper production.

Textile Industry: It is used in textile processing to treat fibers, bleach fabrics, and manage the pH level during the dyeing process.

Petroleum Products: In oil refining, it helps in removing acidic contaminants and helps in the processing of biodiesel.

Food Processing: It is used in cleaning and peeling fruits and vegetables, especially in large-scale operations.

READ MORE BLOGS :- https://brmchemicals.com/blogs/news/sandalwood-oil

Safety Guidelines for Handling Caustic Sodium Hydroxide

Handling Caustic Sodium Hydroxide requires strict safety measures due to its highly corrosive nature. It is vital to wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, to prevent skin and eye contact. Ensuring proper ventilation in work areas is also crucial to avoid inhalation of any fumes. Always follow the material safety data sheet (MSDS) guidelines for safe handling and emergency procedures.

Quality and Purity Standards at BRM Chemicals

At BRM Chemicals, we commit to providing the highest quality Caustic Sodium Hydroxide flakes. Our products meet stringent purity standards, ensuring effective performance across all applications. By sourcing from us, you benefit from consistent quality, reliable supply, and technical support tailored to your specific needs.

How to Purchase Caustic Sodium Hydroxide from BRM Chemicals

Purchasing Caustic Sodium Hydroxide is straightforward via our product page at BRM Chemicals. We offer detailed product information, pricing options, and easy order placement. Ensure your industry's needs are met with our top-grade chemical solutions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Understanding the critical role and safe usage of Caustic Sodium Hydroxide is essential for maximizing its benefits in your industrial applications. For purchasing information and to explore our extensive range of chemical products, visit our website at BRM Chemicals.

Order Now - Ensure your operations are powered by quality and reliability with BRM Chemicals' Caustic Sodium Hydroxide.

[arguablysustainable]

DIY your own natural dyes using food and plants

Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more can all be used to create natural dyes for cotton and other fabrics, and they’re a great way to get beautiful results without all of the chemicals found in traditional dyes. They’re ideal for when you want to dye clothes with kids and are also biodegradable and easily disposable so you also don’t have to worry about harming the planet with your dye project.

Below, we’re taking a look at the types of things that you can use to make homemade dyes, with a quick tutorial on how to make natural dyes from plants and other homegrown products

What is Natural Dye?

Natural dye refers to any type of dye product made from natural ingredients, including plants, flowers, and foods. Tea leaves are also a great material to make natural dye from.  

What Can You Use to Make Natural Dyes?

Here are some options for creating different colors of dye:

Red and pink: Fresh beets or powdered beetroot, pomegranates, red and pink rose petals, avocado pits

Orange: Carrots, turmeric, butternut seeds or husk

Yellow: Marigolds, sunflower petals, paprika, celery leaves, onion skins

Green: Spinach, mint leaves, lilacs, artichokes

Indigo: Purple cabbage, blueberries, blackberries, woad, black beans

The shade and saturation level of your dye will vary based on the plant, fruit, or flower that you choose, as well as the technique that you follow. 

How to Make Dye from Food and Plants

Step 1: Collect Your Dyestuff and Other Essential Tools

The first step in how to make natural dyes for fabric is to figure out what organic materials you’re going to use. Most of the time, this will depend on what colors you want to make, however you could also just use what you have around the house and see what colors you can create.

Other materials that you’ll need include:

A saucepan and heat source, such as a hotplate or your kitchen stove

Jars

Cheesecloth (coffee filters or fabric scraps will work fine too)

Step 2: Extract Your Dye

You have a couple of options for how to extract. adding your ingredient and cool water to a jar and placing it on a windowsill for a week or so to let the sun do the work for you. Even an overnight soak will get you some good, usable color.

Want to use your dye sooner? A quicker extraction method is to simply chop up your desired ingredient and add it to a saucepan with enough water to fully cover it. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat and allow to simmer for one hour. Then allow the water to come to room temperature.

With both solar extraction and the quick heated extraction method you’ll want to finish making your dye by straining it. That’s where the cheesecloth (or coffee filters or fabric scraps) will come in handy.

How to Set Natural Dyes

To actually use your dyes on fabric, you’ll need to set them first. This is done by applying a fixative—also called a mordant—to your fabric prior to dyeing.

Salt and vinegar are both natural fixatives and a good way to go with these types of dyes, with salt being ideal for dyes made from fruits and berries and vinegar ideal for dyes made from plants.

Combine either ½ cup salt with eight cups water or equal parts vinegar and water in a saucepan, then add your fabric and simmer for one hour. When you’re done, run the fabric under cool water and then start applying your dye.

I hope you found this post interesting and try your hand at natural dying! till next time

-Angelica Henson

[terselylove]

How to Make Natural Dyes for Fabric

Have you ever wanted to create your own custom fabric dyes but didn’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’ll be sharing how to create fabric dyes from natural elements like fruits, vegetables, plants, and other natural elements.

Natural fabric dyeing is such an awesome way to add vibrant colours to fabrics while minimizing environmental impact. These dyes are sustainable and eco-friendly, and can create some truly stunning hues and colours on fabrics with just a little bit of work.

Sustainability and eco-consciousness has become an important aspect of our lives in the recent years, as we strive to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. Traditional textile dyeing processes often involve harmful chemicals that pose risks to human health and the environment.

Thankfully, natural dyeing offers a sustainable solution. By harnessing the power of nature’s very own colour palette, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future!

Natural dyes are derived from renewable resources and are biodegradable, ensuring that the dyeing process has minimal impact on ecosystems.

Additionally, the use of natural dyes supports local farming communities, as many dye materials can be sourced from plants and crops cultivated sustainably.

By embracing natural dyeing techniques, we can reduce water pollution, conserve energy, and foster a more conscious and responsible approach to textile production.

One of the most wonderful aspects of natural dyeing is that it can be a fun and engaging DIY project! Whether you are an experienced textile artist or a curious beginner, experimenting with natural dyes allows you to unleash your creativity and explore the wonders of colour creation.

It connects us with nature and fosters a deeper appreciation for the world around us. Moreover, natural dyeing provides a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment as you witness the transformation of plain fabrics into unique and visually captivating pieces.

The outcomes of natural dyeing are truly remarkable. Each dye material holds its distinct characteristics, resulting in colours that exhibit depth, variation, and subtle nuances. Natural dyes create a sense of connection to the Earth, with colours that evoke the seasons, landscapes, and natural beauty.

Here are 10 natural dyes that you can experiment with!

Indigo

Indigo, a plant-based dye with a rich history, produces fascinating shades of blue. It is obtained from the leaves of the Indigofera Tinctoria plant. This dye is highly regarded for its ability to create deep, denim-like blues. Indigo dyeing techniques, such as shibori, offer unique patterns and effects that make each piece truly one-of-a-kind!

Turmeric

With its vibrant golden-yellow hue, turmeric is a popular choice for natural dyeing. This spice can be used to achieve bright, warm yellows on various fabrics. Turmeric’s intense colour makes it a versatile dye that can create striking patterns and designs on textiles.

However, turmeric’s benefits extend beyond its visual appeal. It possesses natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for dyeing textiles intended for everyday use. This property is particularly beneficial for items like kitchen towels, napkins, and clothing that come into regular contact with the skin.

Furthermore, turmeric is easily accessible and affordable, making it an attractive option for those interested in experimenting with natural dyeing. Its versatility allows for various dyeing techniques, including immersion dyeing, tie-dyeing, or even block printing.

Beetroot

For a range of pink and reddish hues, beetroot is an ideal natural dye. The pigments present in beetroot can create subtle shades of pink on fabrics, adding a touch of natural elegance to your creations.

Depending on the concentration and duration of the dyeing process, you can achieve various intensities, from soft blush tones to vibrant reds. This versatility allows for experimentation and customisation, making each dyeing project truly unique!

Also, beetroot is readily available in most grocery stores or can be grown in home gardens! It is an inexpensive dye material, making it an affordable option for those who are new to natural dyeing or wish to experiment with different shades.

Whether you’re dyeing clothing, linens, or other textiles, beetroot offers a versatile and accessible option for achieving lovely pink and reddish colours. So, embrace the beauty of beetroot and let its natural pigments infuse your fabrics with elegance and charm, all while indulging in the wonders of sustainable and eco-friendly dyeing!

Onion Skins

Often discarded as waste, onion skins can be transformed into a beautiful natural dye that yields warm and earthy tones! By simmering the onion skins, you can extract a range of shades from light yellows to deep oranges and rich browns, adding depth and character to your fabrics.

Onion skin dyeing is a fantastic way to repurpose what would typically be thrown away, turning it into a valuable resource for creating unique colours. This makes it a very eco-friendly and sustainable option for natural dyeing.

By giving new life to onion skins, you contribute to reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact associated with textile production.

Not to forget that the colours obtained from onion skins evoke a sense of natural beauty and rustic charm! The warm and earthy tones they produce are reminiscent of nature’s autumnal palette, bringing a cosy and organic feel to your fabrics. 

Avocado Pits and Skins

Don’t throw away your avocado pits and skins! 

Avocado pits and skins, often discarded as kitchen waste, can be repurposed to create beautiful natural dyes. These dyes produce a range of lovely pinks, blush tones, and light peach colours, adding a delicate touch to fabrics. 

As with any natural dye, the longevity of avocado-dyed fabrics can be enhanced by proper care. It is recommended to wash them in cool water with mild detergent and avoid exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods!

Logwood

Derived from the heartwood of trees, logwood is a natural dye that offers a diverse range of colours, including deep purples, greys, and blues. 

One of the remarkable qualities of logwood dye is its exceptional ‘colourfastness’. Colourfastness refers to the ability of a dye to retain its vibrancy even after repeated washing or exposure to sunlight. This means that your dyed textiles will maintain their beauty and intensity over time, allowing you to enjoy them for years to come – Making them even more sustainable! 

Logwood dye is well-suited for various fabric types, including natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, and wool. From bold purples for statement pieces to subdued greys and blues for a more understated look, logwood dye offers a wide range of options to suit different design aesthetics.

Marigold Flowers

Marigold flowers, with their vibrant hues of yellow and orange, hold rich natural pigments that can be used to create stunning dyes! These flowers contain lutein, a powerful pigment known for its dyeing properties, making marigold dye an excellent choice for adding a touch of brightness and warmth to fabrics.

The colours obtained from marigold flowers range from sunny yellows to rich oranges, which add a lovely sense of joy and vibrancy to any piece! Whether you’re dyeing garments, accessories, or home textiles, the marigold dye can infuse your creations with a burst of cheerful and uplifting colours.

Not only can the dyeing itself be a fun and rewarding DIY project, using marigolds also allows you to engage with nature! Harvesting marigold flowers from your garden or sourcing them locally adds an element of connection to the natural world and a sense of satisfaction when witnessing the transformation of the flowers into vibrant dyes.

Cochineal Insects

Found on the pads of prickly pear cacti, Cochineal Insects offer a great source of natural dye that produces a range of intense reds, pinks, and purples.

These tiny creatures contain carminic acid, a potent pigment that has been used for centuries to create the renowned colour known as “carmine’ which is extracted by crushing them to release the pigment-rich liquid. 

The historical significance of cochineal dye is fascinating! It has been used by various civilizations, including the ancient Aztecs and Mayans.

Cochineal dye played a significant role in trade and commerce, with its rich reds being sought after by artists, textile producers, and even royalty. Today, cochineal dye continues to be highly regarded for its ability to create intense and enduring colours.

Walnut Shells

Walnut shells offer a wonderful source of natural dye that can be transformed into lovely earthy browns and warm, muted yellows. 

They are great at achieving vintage or rustic aesthetics on textiles. The earthy browns produced by walnut dye can lend a sense of warmth, depth, and antiquity to fabrics, creating a nostalgic and timeless appeal.

These natural hues are perfect for creating a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look or adding a vintage touch to garments, accessories, or home decor items.

To preserve the colour intensity, it’s advisable to avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight, as natural dyes may experience some degree of fading over time. By following proper care instructions, you can ensure that your walnut-dyed fabrics maintain their rustic beauty for an extended period.

Madder Root

This versatile plant offers a wide spectrum of colours, ranging from delicate pale pinks to deep oranges and vibrant reds. With its ability to produce vibrant and long-lasting hues, madder root has been used for centuries as a reliable source of dye that withstands the test of time.

Beyond its visual appeal, madder root dye carries a sense of history and tradition. It has been utilized for centuries across different cultures and regions. The knowledge and techniques associated with madder root dyeing have been passed down through generations, making it a valuable part of cultural heritage.

Now that you’ve learned about some of the natural sources for dyes and the colours they generate, let’s talk about how to create the dyes themselves!

How to Create Natural Dyes from Fruits, Vegetables, and Plants

Step 1: Preparing the Fabric

Before dyeing your fabric, it is crucial to prepare it properly to ensure optimal color absorption.

1) Choose natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, or wool, as they tend to absorb dyes more effectively.

2) Wash the fabric thoroughly to remove any dirt, chemicals, or finishes that might hinder the dye absorption.

3) If the fabric is made of cellulose fibers like cotton or linen, pre-treat it with a mordant solution to enhance colorfastness. Common mordants include alum, iron, and vinegar. Follow the mordant instructions carefully and rinse the fabric before dyeing.

Step 2: Extracting the Dye

Now that you have selected your natural ingredients and prepared your fabric, it’s time to extract the dye! The process may vary depending on the ingredient chosen, but here’s a general approach:

1) Chop or crush the fruits, vegetables, or natural elements into small pieces to maximize the surface area for pigment release.

2) Place the chopped ingredients in a stainless steel or enamel pot and add enough water to cover them completely.

3) Simmer the mixture over low heat for an extended period, typically 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to extract the dye.

4) Once the liquid has absorbed the desired color, strain it to remove any solids, obtaining a concentrated dye solution.

Step 3: Dyeing Process

With your dye solution ready, it’s time to add color to your fabric:

1) Wet the fabric thoroughly to ensure even color absorption.

2) Immerse the fabric into the dye bath, making sure it has enough room to move freely.

3) Simmer the fabric in the dye bath over low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally to achieve uniform color distribution.

4) For deeper shades or stronger color intensity, extend the dyeing time or repeat the process.

Step 4: Setting the Color:

To ensure your newly dyed fabric retains its color over time, it’s crucial to permanently set the dye. Here’s how:

1) Rinse the dyed fabric with cold water until the water runs clear, removing any excess dye.

2) If you used a mordant, apply a fixing agent such as salt or vinegar to help set the color. Follow the instructions provided for the specific mordant used.

3) After applying the fixing agent, rinse the fabric again to remove any residual dye or chemicals.

4) Hang the fabric to dry away from direct sunlight to avoid any fading.

Enjoy your custom, naturally dyed fabric!

[usaclothingmanufacturers]

The Rise of Sustainable Clothing Manufacturers

Introduction

The fashion industry has been under fire for being wasteful and unsustainable for decades. From dyeing fabrics with toxic chemicals to producing new clothes in such a way that ends up in landfills, it’s easy to see why people think of the fashion world as being unsustainable. However, there are some positive changes happening within the industry that are helping us move toward a more sustainable future. These changes include using natural dyes instead of toxic chemicals and using recycled materials instead of virgin materials. Apparel manufacturers are developing new technologies and new ways to reduce waste, While these changes may not seem like much right now, they’re paving the way for even better options down the road!

A Growing Number of Clothing Manufacturers Have Made It Their Mission to Protect the Planet

As the world becomes more conscious of environmental issues and sustainability, clothing manufacturers are making more environmentally friendly choices. They are using materials that are less harmful to the environment, they’re creating products that last longer, and they’re even making their factories eco-friendlier.

Some clothing manufacturers have made it their mission to protect the planet and make clothes without harming the environment. These companies have developed innovations in technology (like recycling machines) or created new ways of doing business (like using organic cotton).

Clothing Manufacturing Has Always Been an Industry That Is, To a Certain Extent, Unsustainable

For many years, the clothing industry has been an unsustainable one. It’s one of the most polluting industries in the world and responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The fashion industry is also one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with sales reaching $2 trillion annually by 2020 (source). Unfortunately, these statistics don’t tell us anything about how sustainable these companies are or what they’re doing to keep their impact on our environment at a minimum.

One Of the Biggest Ways the Manufacturing Process Is Unsustainable Is Due to The Dyeing Process

One of the biggest ways that clothing manufacturing is unsustainable is due to the dyeing process. Dyes are made from toxic chemicals and must be mixed together in order for them to create different colors. The mixing of these different dyes can be harmful for workers and for the environment, as well as polluting both air and water around them.

The Main Sustainable Alternative to Dyeing Fabric with Toxic Chemicals Is Using Natural Dyes

The main sustainable alternative to dyeing fabric with toxic chemicals is using natural dyes. Natural dyes are not toxic and can be made from a variety of ingredients, including plants, insects, and minerals. They’re also more expensive than synthetic dyes because they take longer to produce and require more labor. However, these factors make them more environmentally friendly because they don’t pollute the air or water like synthetic dyes do (and as we’ve seen above, this pollution comes at an astronomical cost).

Natural dyes also have less of an impact on the climate than their synthetic counterparts: according to one study published in “Science Advances,” it takes about 1/5th as much energy per kilogram of clothing produced if you use natural versus artificial coloring agents during manufacturing processes — which means your clothes will last longer too!

Finally — and perhaps most importantly — natural products offer consumers peace of mind knowing that no animals were harmed during production; this has led many brands who want both environmentalism AND ethical practices (like Patagonia) to opt for using only plant-based materials instead — so why wouldn’t YOU?

Natural Dyes Come in All Types of Colors and Shades

Natural dyes come in all types of colors and shades and can be made from a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, leaves, roots, flowers, and berries. Unlike synthetic dyes which are made from petroleum products (which are non-renewable), natural dyes are eco-friendly because they are made from renewable resources. The most common type of natural dye is indigo which comes from the leaves of plants like woad or indigo bush; however, there are many other types including cochineal (a red dye) derived from insects native to Central America/South America; camwood (a brownish black) made by boiling acacia trees in water until they become pulpy before straining out the liquid which contains tannins that bind with cotton fibers; walnut husks which create browns when added to boiling water; alkanet root produces purple tones when combined with vinegar while purple potato skins produce blues!

Natural dyes have been used throughout history because they were readily available at no cost — however these days there’s also another benefit: biodegradability! Synthetic dyes don’t break down easily so when washed away after use they end up polluting our waterways causing toxic algae blooms that kill fish & contaminate drinking water supplies near industrial areas where wastewater treatment facilities aren’t able keep pace with demand…not only does this pose serious health risks but also costs millions each year.”

Sustainable Clothing Manufacturers Are Developing New Types of Fabrics That Don’t Need Dyeing At All

While Pearl Global USA is one of the great examples of sustainable clothing manufacturers, they aren’t alone. Other companies are working on new types of fabrics that don’t need dyeing at all. For example, Patagonia has developed 100% organic cotton t-shirts that can be washed with just water and soap — no chemical detergents or dryer sheets needed! They’ve also developed an entirely new type of fabric made from recycled plastic bottles: 70% post-consumer waste with 30% post-industrial content (the leftover scraps from other manufacturers). This makes their products both eco-friendly and affordable for everyone.

Another Way That Clothing Manufacturers Are Reducing Their Impact on The Environment

Another way that apparel manufacturers in usa are reducing their impact on the environment is by using recycled materials instead of virgin materials. Recycled fibers are typically cheaper, more sustainable, and more durable compared to their virgin counterparts. They can also be used to create new products or fabrics — a much better option than disposing of them in a landfill where they’ll eventually break down into harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide.

Recycling clothing is becoming an increasingly popular approach for clothing manufacturers to reduce their impact whether they are sportswear manufacturers or denim manufacturers, environment. By recycling clothes, manufacturers can extend the life of materials and reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. There are different ways that clothing can be recycled. One approach is to take old or damaged clothes and turn them into new products. For example, old t-shirts can be turned into cleaning rags, and denim jeans can be turned into insulation. This approach reduces waste and gives old clothes a new life. Another approach is to break down fabrics and fibers and use them to create new materials. For example, some companies are using recycled cotton to create new fabrics, while others are using recycled plastic bottles to create polyester fabrics. This approach reduces the need for new materials to be produced and helps to conserve resources.

Recycling clothes can also reduce the environmental impact of producing new clothes. Making new clothes requires a significant amount of energy and resources, including water and raw materials. By recycling clothes, manufacturers can reduce the demand for new clothes and the associated environmental impact.

Overall, recycling clothes is an important approach for clothing manufacturers in USA to reduce their impact on the environment. By extending the life of materials and reducing waste, recycling can help to create a more sustainable and circular fashion industry.

Conclusion

We’re going through a major shift in the way we think about clothing and its impact on the environment. The rise of sustainable manufacturing is driven by consumers demanding better products and companies willing to listen to their customers. As more people become aware of how their clothing choices affect the environment, we expect this trend will only continue into the future as more companies join in on making sustainable apparel!

[truebluemeandyou]

Guide for Plant Based Textile Dyes

You can find this Plant Based Dyes Infographic here.

You can use these natural ingredients to dye fabrics:

Onions skins, holy basil, turmeric, indigo

some lichens, some barks, some seeds, eucalyptus leaves

bloodwood kino, logwood, avocado seeds, sunflower seed hulls

teas, coffees, some roots, acorns, oak galls, pomegranate rind

marigolds, annatto, saffron, butterfly bush, banksia cones

bamboo, cherries, elderberry, madder root, grape skins

rosehips, strawberries, purple sage, blackberries, blueberries

cornflowers, hyacinth, olives, red cabbage, ornamental plum leaves

artichokes, hydrangea flowers, calendula, camellia, chamomile

moringa leaves and bark, lilac flower, nettles, rosemary, spinach

rosella roots, lentils, dandelion, fennel, iris, bay leaves, crocus, daffodil, paprika, weld 

How Do You Use Natural Dyes on Fabric?

Step-by-Step How to Dye Fabric from my post here:

Pre-wash and pre-soak your fabric.  It is best to use 100% natural fabrics that are undyed.  I have recently fallen in love with China silk habotai because it’s elegant and billowy without the price pitfall of crepe de chine.

Chop up your food source into little tiny bits (but not so tiny that they can’t be strained out).  For onions and plums, use only the skins

Prepare the water base in a large pot: add the water in a 2:1 ratio of water to food source (so if you have 2 cups of chopped bits, add 4 cups of water)

Boil the mixture for approximately an hour

Strain out food source and return liquid dye to pot

Add salt or vinegar, depending on the food source, to the water and mix.  For fruits and vegetables, add ½ cup of salt to every 8 cups of water.  For plant material, add 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water).  Salt and vinegar act as fixatives for the dye.

Add your pre-soaked fabric to the dye, stirring thoroughly, and bring up to a boil

Depending on how dark you would like the dyed fabric to be, boil your fabric in the dye for any length of time up to about an hour and a half.  At that point, your dye is probably exhausted.

Hand wash your fabric in cold water and organic detergent at least twice to ensure that all of the dye and fixative are out of the fabric, rinse, and hang dry or lay flat.

**if you would like a lighter color, either add less fixative (vinegar or salt) or boil for less time – or a little of both!  You can also add some salt/vinegar to the pre-soak water, but I haven’t really seen a difference with doing so.

I also posted this infographic from Design Sponge here.

[i-arch-my-backula]

Slashers with a S/O who makes their own clothes part two

I’m back with this again. I can’t come up with anything new but well I’m feeling kinda better so that’s nice. I ofc included the Sinclair boys because well I’m literally obsessed with them. Anyway I want to write more for Michael, Brahms and Leslie because I haven’t written that much for them lately. None the less I hope you enjoy. 

Included: The Sinclair brothers, Brahms Heelshire and Thomas Hewitt

The Sinclair brothers

Once you finally move in making your own clothes is gonna help greatly help you get more clothes as much as the brothers wish you would wear theirs. 

Lester probably hasn’t gotten new clothes in years so making him some new clothes will be greatly appreciated. Vincent also ruins his clothes with the amount of wax and pain in his clothes. 

Bo and Lester love seeing you being domestic like this. Not in like a weird misogynistic way they just like having someone to help around the house and kinda make it feel more balanced around the house. 

Vincent will find it handy to have someone help make more clothes for the figures. 

You’ll get the fabric from old sheets, curtains, clothes from victims and fur from the roadkill Lester finds. I feel like he does make pelts of it. I mean the man does eat the meat of them sometimes. 

They love seeing you in the clothes you make. Vincent likes having another some kind of artist in the house. Bo likes seeing you wear something that was once his and Lester just likes seeing you in anything to be honest. 

Brahms Heelshire 

He has a sewing room in his house from his mom so you’ll have easy access to lots of fabric to make more clothes for yourself. 

He’ll ask for you to make some more clothes for him and the doll. When you explain you’ll have to measure his body he’s gonna be smiley and giggly the entire time. 

If you run out of fabric or you want new patterns he’s gonna get you high quality ones. The man in rich and has money to spend. 

If you wear dresses and skirts he’s gonna try to get you to make more of them. He loves seeing you in dresses and skirts especially if you make them yourself.

If you dress more masculine he’ll push bell bottoms. He likes the way they look and how they can be more formal. But it’s also because how they hug the upper part of the legs sometimes. We all know that this British rat man is kinda a perv. 

 He’ll have you make more versions of his standard look. Cardigan, tank top, and pants. 

He’ll prefer you make more formal clothes for you to wear. His parents and nanny’s always wore more formal clothes around him so it makes sense that you would too. 

Thomas Hewitt

Like the Sinclair’s making your own clothes is gonna help a lot. You’ll have to use either scraps of fabric around the house or old clothes you find. 

There’s probably old patterns laying around the house you can use. The patterns are gonna be older so expect it to be mid to early 60′s. 

If you want to dye clothes you can probably use scraps of fruits and vegetables, berries, plant bark and roots and things like that to dye your clothes. 

Thomas is gonna ask you to help make him so extra clothes from time to time.  

He loves seeing you in patchwork clothes you make. If you wear dresses he loves seeing the flowy sun dresses you wear. Or if you wear pants and shorts he loves seeing you wear those too. 

He likes to watch you make your clothes. He likes how focused you get on making the clothes and how detailed you are. 

Whatever you make he’s gonna love it. 

[confessionsofarefashionista]

Dye Fabric with Veggie Scraps!

Dye Fabric with Veggie Scraps!

Pop on over to The Beaker Life and discover how to revamp your fabrics with fruit and veggie scraps and peels:

Got a groovy refashion to share? How about a funky upcycled accessory or decor tutorial? An amazing thrifted outfit?

Click here to submit & be featured

Share your refashionista makes and thrift style outfit inspiration with us on instagram with #RefashionNation

[kontextmaschine]

Another of my periodic "you don't realize how good you have it" posts. I became aware in the 1980s.

Groceries were more primal and limited in selection. Much less was directly edible, more were ingredients requiring some preparation and cooking process. "Prepackaged" foods were often a powder combining several ingredients which would still require the addition of further fresh ones and cooking. Microwaves didn't exist; instant "TV dinners" were heated in the oven, popcorn was made directly over stove heat in a way that burned many kernels. Sandwiches, toast, eggs, bacon, and canned soup enjoyed more prominence as low-preparation foods.

Fresh produce now available year-round was only available seasonally; seasonal foods had narrower windows of availability. More fruit and vegetables were purchased frozen, canned, or otherwise preserved.

Meat and fish available at a supermarket was more often fattier and less fresh; independent butchers, fishmongers, and bakeries were more of a thing. Supermarkets did not house banks or even ATMs, but could give you cash for a check. Credit cards, UPC scanners, and automatic conveyor belts were still novel.

Power windows and cupholders became standard in cars over the 80s, airbags and antilock brakes in the 90s. Cruise control had still been somewhat novel when I first paid attention. Car fenders used to be metal that would absorb impact by deformation. In the reverse direction, cars were first designed with front "crumple zones" to absorb impact through deformation, rather than transmitting it to a passenger compartment it would try to shove the engine block through.

Clothes were more expensive, they would tear, fade, stain, and wear quicker. Their fabrics stretched less (and thus fit worse off the rack or required custom fitting) shed moisture worse, and were more uncomfortable against the skin. Warm clothes breathed worse and overheated, light clothes were less insulated and chilly, there was more necessary layering. For that matter warm clothes weren't even as warm. A narrower range of dye colors were pragmatic; dyes would fade or bleed into other clothes in the wash. Home washing required more specific procedures and products to be satisfactory, more clothes required dry cleaning.

Basically, the clothes available for sale to you were whatever your local store had picked up. If you were in a city you might have some selection; people took yearly day trips or even vacations to cities to buy clothes for that year. If you were in the suburbs you would have satellites of your local city's department stores, maybe even a related discount outlet (ours was Strawbridge & Clothier's "Clover") and the small stores that filled in the malls they anchored. Those stores were transitioning from replacement-for-downtown independent shops to chains, The Gap was big. If you were further out you would have whatever Main Street storefront, maybe a Salvation Army and KMart. Since the original Sears catalog, much clothes shopping was done by mail.

A major advance in my age were clothes (and draperies, and furniture) that were less flammable, my generation found it odd that we were instructed so intently (stop, drop, and roll!) on how to deal with our environments or persons catching fire.

Men still wore leather shoes that required custom fitting and the regular artisanal replacement of worn-out soles. Athletic shoes/"sneakers" were less stylish, less supportive, bulkier, offered poorer traction, and often audibly squeaked while walking.

[wooahaes]

things writing under the sun has made me google:

when certain plants are in season

how to make [color] dye naturally

how many ducklings can a duck have

how to know if strawberries are ripe

season chart for fruits

season chart for vegetables

how to naturally dye fabric

how to make flower bracelet with beads

where to find irises in nature

[calabria-mediterranea]

The traditional bedcovering of San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria, Italy

The ozaturu is the traditional bedcovering of San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria, Southern Italy. The ozaturu is integral to the social fabric of the town which is located in the mountainous Sila region. Both the word ozaturu and its colorful geometric designs are considered unique to the town and part of the legacy of early Greek influence in the area. The colours are obtained from vegetable dyes (plants, roots, fruits and berries found on the Sila mountains).

Especially relevant is that this textile is an embodiment of local and particularly female expressivity. San Giovanni in Fiore has long been an artisanal center known for its textile traditions which were always the provenance of women. With the social restrictions placed on women in southern Italy, textiles were a primary modality for expressive practice. Before the advent of manufactured cloth, all women had to know how to weave in order to marry. Even the poorest woman's dowry included at least one handwoven woolen ozaturu. It was also an essential component to the dressed bed, a piece of furniture central to the symbolism of the home and the sanctity of the family. During the annual town festival, the ozaturu is hung over a family's balcony just before the religious procession passes by, a symbolic display of devotion and respect.

[mitchelgroff]

Removing Distinct Sauce Stains

Is there anything worse than dry food? Sauce, in all its incredible different varieties, has meant we never have to worry about our food being too dry again. These moist and flavoursome little bottles of joy do come with there own problems though.

It doesn’t matter if it is the bright red ketchup, golden yellow mustard, or the infamous brown BBQ sauce that your taste-buds desire most. All of these wonderfully tasty condiments can leave us in a state of panic every time we carelessly spill them onto our new white t-shirt. We are here to try and ease that panic. Next time you find yourself overindulging in a hot dog that is drowning in mustard and ketchup, make sure you know how to remove the stains once the inevitable happens.

Tomato Sauce

Mustard

BBQ Sauce

Mayonnaise

Chilli Sauce

Tomato Sauce

You can find this versatile vegetable (or fruit!?) in cuisine all over the world.  Whether its ketchup on your fries, spaghetti sauce or bloody mary’s, sauces that mostly contain tomatoes can make it seem like the end of the world when spilt on our clothes.

The best thing you can do when spilling tomato sauces on your clothes is act as soon as possible. Try to use heavy-duty laundry detergent and make sure you use the hottest water recommended for the fabric on the garment care label.  Always ensure you check the laundry symbols before washing the garment. To start with, gently rub the liquid detergent directly on the stain. Next, place the garment into the machine to be washed. Make sure to air dry after, as heat from the dryer can set in any remaining stain particles that have not come off in the wash.

Mustard

Like ketchup, mustard can cause most people to shriek when it’s spilt on your clothing due to its luminescent colour.  Mustard contains a dye called Tumeric to enhance the yellow colour, which means it must be treated differently to other stains on this list.

If a mustard stain does not get treated quickly, the turmeric dye can remain on your clothing as a permanent reminder of your carelessness. Try to catch the stain while it is still moist and blot immediately. Make sure you do not rub the stain, as you do not want to spread the turmeric onto unstained parts of the garment.

Finally, mix a solution of three-quarters of dish soap and one quarter rubbing alcohol.  Apply the mixture to the stain and allow to soak for 10 minutes, just long enough for it not to dry. The alcohol in the solution should turn the stain a dark colour, but not to worry, it will rinse right out! Rinse the treated area with hot water, and then launder like normal.

BBQ  Sauce

Would a barbecue even be a barbecue if it wasn’t messy to eat? Most people attending a barbecue know the risks going in, but that still doesn’t make the BBQ sauce stains any less harrowing.

Removing the stain is a two-step process. Soak the affected garment just like you would soak a dirty dish in warm water with dishwashing detergent, this will help loosen the sauce from the fabric and help clean the stain. Once you have left to soak for at least ten minutes, pour some vinegar on the affected area and scrub with a kitchen sponge. After you’ve treated the stain, run the garment through the washing machine like normal.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is probably the least threatening colour of all sauces listed in this guide, but do not let its neutral colour fool you. Mayonnaise can leave oily spots on your clothing that are not always easy to remove.

When you spill a blob of mayonnaise on your clothing, use a blunt object like a butter knife or spoon to lift as much of the Mayonnaise off the fabric as you can. Never rub because this will push the stain deeper into the fabric, making it harder to remove. Seeing as the bulk of the issue is an oil-based stain, every Mayonnaise stain should be pre-treated using solvent-based stain removal products.  If you don’t have any solvent-based stain remover at hand, apply a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent instead. Then work it in by delicately rubbing with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Lastly, wash the garment in the washing machine on the highest heat it recommends on the label.

Chilli Sauce

Need some spice in your life, but don’t like it trickling onto your clothes? A good old fashioned spicy hot sauce is great for adding flavour to your dishes, but not so great for your new white work shirt. Most hot sauce ingredients consist of peppers, spices and vinegar.   Assuming your favourite brand of chilli sauce doesn’t add too much artificial food colouring, the stains should be simple to remove.

Acting immediately is proving to be a common theme in this guide. You guessed it, don’t wait until you’ve finished your food to act on a chilli sauce stain,  get on the job straight away!

First things first, run the stain under the tap for at least a minute. Do not rub the stain here, instead let the water flow do the work. We also recommend turning the item inside out and cleaning from the backside to remove it from within the fabric. After this, place the clothing in a sink filled with cold water, add a tablespoon of liquid detergent and vinegar, then gently scrub the stained area. Lastly, put the item in a washing machine and make sure to use warm water, never hot, as this will set the stain.

If you don’t have the time or patience to clean a worrying stain out of your clothing, let the professionals such as green earth cleaners in Durango help you. Drop your laundry for effective cleaning.

[urban-homesteading]

How to make natural dyes:

Gather at least one cup of leftover fruit and vegetable bits. Chop the fruits and veggies to allow more color to saturate the dye. Add the chopped food scraps to a saucepan and cover with twice as much water as the food quantity. For one cup of scraps, use two cups of water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately one hour, or until the dye reaches the desired color. Turn off heat and let the water come to room temperature. Strain the cooled dye into a container.

Special notes about dying fabric:

Natural food dyes can create lovely one-of-a-kind shades for clothing, fabric and yarn, but natural fibers require an extra step of preparation to hold natural dye. Fabrics require the use of a fixative, also called a mordant, to adhere the colors to the clothing.

For fruit dyes, simmer fabric in ¼ cup salt and 4 cups water for approximately one hour.

For vegetable dyes, simmer fabric in 1 cup vinegar and 4 cups water for approximately one hour.

After the hour, carefully rinse the fabric in cold water. Gently squeeze (do not wring, you can damage the fibers and make them weakness) excess water from fabric. Immediately soak fabric in the natural dye until it reaches the desired color. Place the dyed fabric in a container overnight or up to 24 hours. The next day, rinse the fabric under cool water until the water runs clear. Hang to air dry. To further set the dye, run the fabric through a dryer by itself.

The following are which plants to use for which colors.

Beets: Save beet trimmings, peelings, and tops to produce a rich reddish-pink dye. The color produced from beets often fades over time in fabrics but serves well in short-term uses such as coloring Easter eggs, frostings, or batters.

Avocado: Avocado skin and seeds creates a warm peach to light pink.

Onions: Onion skins contain their own tannins, there’s no need to treat the fabric ahead of time. Yellow onion skins produce a yellow-orange color, while red onion skins produce a pale orange with pink undertones.

Lemons: Chopped lemon peels produce a soft lemonade-yellow color. When using natural dyes to color frostings or icings, add the dye little by little as a small amount of flavor often remains from the original food, so taste as you go.

Spinach: Wilted spinach can span a range of shades from deep green to soft celery. Increasing the amount of spinach deepens the color.

Blue berries: Light blue or a purplish dye depending on the concentration of fruit.

Red cabbage: Red cabbage leaves create a deep purple shade. Dye made from red cabbage leaves is generally difficult to fix to fabric, but the fixative will help for short-term projects. This dye is better for frostings or batters.

Remember that these colors can be combined to make other colors.  Word to the wise though, make enough to dye your entire batch.  Because if you start blending colors and dye part of your batch, you’ll never get the same exact color again.  Dyes are just untamable like that.

Want to learn more?  Have some book sources: Botanical Colour at Your Fingertips by Rebecca Desnos

Natural Color: Vibrant Plant Dye Projects for Your Home and Wardrobe by Sasha Duerr

Harvesting Color: How To Find Plants and Make Natural Dyes by Rebecca Burgess

The Modern Natural Dyer: A Comprehensive Guide to Dyeing Silk, Wool, Linen, and Cotton at Home by Kristine Vejar

The Art and Science of Natural Dyes: Principles, Experiments, and Results by Joy Boutrup & Catharine Ellis