Well, maybe I'm not mad, but I guess some people might see me as eccentric! All those pots and jars full of strange concoctions ...

However, I am very methodical in my work. Yes, I like to freewheel, but I also like to be organised. And I definitely don't want to add to our planet's waste problems. This approach to art and life takes some thought, and there is usually a very good reason for the (seemingly) strange things I do.

In an earlier post I shared how I don't like to throw anything out if it is useful. The old proverb 'waste not, want not' is possibly more true today than ever. So I am thoughtful about what I use to wrap my eco dyeing bundles. I opt for natural fibres that will absorb colour and can be made into something new.

The thicker yarns are not easy to stitch with, so I use them for couching onto my art quilts, or on wearable items such as these cuffs.

They are also great for crochet. When I made these giant crochet rose brooches, I had to sew in a lot of ends because of the short lengths of yarn, but I think it was worth it. They have sold out! (Maybe I need to make some more.)

I'm also contemplating other possible uses. Weaving is a skill that I revisit from time to time, and I can see this yarn would work very well for small fibre art projects.

As a consequence, my Pinterest board on weaving is growing. Here are some examples I've collected which are making my mind spin with ideas. The first photo is from the British Tapestry Group; the second is from Hannah Lamb.

weaving-idea-1---the-british-tapestry-group-uk

When it came to organising my eco dyed yarns, I decided to wind them into skeins. I had a lot of fun thinking of names for the different colours too.

Of course, I'm probably not the only one that might find these eco dyed yarns attractive and useful. With that in mind I am now making them available for sale in my online shop. I hope you have fun with them!

Zero waste and eucalyptus - part 2

Zero waste and eucalyptus - a perfect match

Dyeing with avocado and red cabbage

A Labour of Love

Turmeric as dye

Behind the Scenes

Method in my madness

Rita Summers