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013 Kamala_powder_1
• Kamala powder is from the fruit of the Mallotus tree, an evergreen native to Southeast Asia
• Was traditionally used in India and was extensively traded and exported.
• Imparts beautiful colour on wool and silk – less so on cotton.
• Dyestuff: powder
Procedure notes:
• Kamala will only dissolve in an alkaline solution. It will appear to curdle then added to water. Add washing soda (start with a tsp) to dissolve the curds. Solution will be yellow.
• Stir well. Add wet fibre, bring to a boil and then simmer for one hour.
• Rinse fibre in vinegar to neutralize it. Too much washing soda makes the fibre feel harsh.
• Use 30% weight of dyestuff to WOF / and 3% washing soda to WOF.
Dye Date: November 20 / 2005
Source: Louet sales / Shuttleworks
Quantity Used: 4.8 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: 30% weight of dyestuff to weight of fibre
Mordants Used: Alum, Iron
Assist: Soda Ash (3% weight of fibre)
Mordant process used: (see Section A)
Water source: City of Calgary tap water
Lightfast: Not tested
Washfast: Low colour loss on first wash with Palmolive DW soap.
Judi’s Notes: Washing soda was used instead of Soda Ash, ands worked well.
