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005 Annatto_seed_1
• Central and South America and other tropical regions
• Aside from dyeing fibres, also used for body paint, and as a food colorant
• Dyestuff: Seeds
Procedure Notes:
• No mordant required
• Gently simmer seeds in water for approximately one hour – seeds can be removed or left in the dye bath. (If left in stronger colours will result).
• Simmers fibres in the dye bath for one hour, then remove from heat and let fibres cool overnight in dye bath.
• Dye process can also be done without heat.
• To obtain maximum color from seeds, add 1-2 teaspoons of washing soda to the water in which the seeds are simmering in. Strain dye liquid, cool, add fibres.
• Soak in cooled solution until desired colour is obtained.
Dye Date: November 13 / 2005
Source: Louet Sales / Shuttleworks
Quantity Used: 8 grams
Yarn / Fibre Used: 100% (handspun) breed unspecified
Supplier: Local Alberta Wool Producer – Raw fleece – washed, carded and spun by J. Dixon
Proportion of Dyestuff to Fibre: 1: 2
Dyestuff: Seeds
Mordants used: Alum, Iron
Mordant procedure used: (see Section A)
Water: City of Calgary tap water
Lightfast: Not tested
Washfast: very little dye loss when first washed with Palmolive DW soap
Judi’s Notes: Seeds were gently simmered in water for one hour. Wet fibre added, and simmered (with seeds) for an additional hour. Fibre removed from heat, and left to steep in dye pot for additional 27 hours. Small amount of dye bath colour was left. Very little dye colour lost when washed with soap.
