Ecoprinting on Cotton, Linen and Paper Part One

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Dear Kathryn, Your eco-prints are simply stunning! Beyond gorgeous. Am stitching Week 43 while I watch and listen, enthralled. ❤

[@J-zr9lg]

The tied bundle is a work of art in itself.

[@Craftylisa69]

I’m absolutely thrilled to see you taking us down this rabbit hole. . This fabric and the papers are stunningly gorgeous. Can’t wait to dabble along . Lisa uk xxx

[@pamelavandy290]

I have been so looking forward to this tutorial 😊. Thank you ………look forward to Friday now!

[@celiapatriciaperezibarra2382]

Interesante técnica, gracias por compartir un abrazo desde Perú 🇵🇪

[@beejayoung1546]

Been waiting for this one Kathryn. Thank you so much for showing us how to do this one. Can’t wait until Friday!😁

[@damienk5011]

Dearest K3n, having had a long,exhausting daytime and was finally able to get a break couldn't see your "wonky Wednesday😮"and beginning to feel down a bit- then as l was about to turn this device off it did its bleep noise and here you are! Felt sneaky as l seemed to be first and have your upload& yourself to myself!! Lol 😊Will have to get some alum power,but looking forward to Friday's unravelling and seeing your results.Can aquire some rusty bits from my sons garage as they're in the throes of moving into a larger home at present!(one man's trash is this ones treasure!) Thankyou for cheerful, wittering ,and the furry ones background play-am becoming addicted to the regularity of your episodes!keep safe, well and content always 😊Julia, Brisbane, Australia 🙏 ❤ 🇦🇺 😀 🪃 💖

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure Julia, I think some of you are getting the videos later as the clocks have gone back here. Anyway I hope you have fun when you get round to having a go. ♥️

[@annjaeckel8338]

Really enjoyed and look forward to Friday…Thanks as ever💕

[@J-zr9lg]

It's true, mordanting did sound complicated and scary, to me! Very clear instructions/explanations - thank you ❤

[@margaretmcgregor5686]

Loved loved loved this Kathryn 🎉 I am scheduling time for myself to actually complete this project. 😉 thrifting a pan with a lid is a priority! I am beyond excited about this - I have leaves already in press and I am definitely doing the journal, although realistically not in real time!!! Not only do you demistify the process, but you inspire and make it so accessible with your step by step guidance ✨️ Beyond happy! Big love as always from Scotland ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Wonderful, good luck with the pan search 😁♥️

[@SusanMJB45]

Yay !!! I needed this. I haven't watched the video yet..... LOL... but your samples are all I needed to see to know that I am going to love this ❤

[@emiliabarbosa8835]

Love this process and your guidance, thank you ❤❤❤

[@nataliaprizant6097]

Thank❤ 🍁🍂🌱🌿 you, dear Kathryn 🙏

[@pamfrank3962]

Yes❤ long awaited. So excited to learn how to eco print from you. Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge and skill.❤

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

very interesting ... can hardly wait for Friday!

[@TinekeGelder]

Love the process, I have to get some supplies like the mordant but I will definitely going to do this. I am looking forward to Friday! Thank you for sharing! ❤ Tineke

[@debzehr3244]

Very helpful. I needed explanation of mordanting as I use cotton/linen. Anxiously awaiting the unwrapping. 💖💖💖

[@jayneelinor]

Timely video for me as I am sitting down to stitch an eco dyed cloth I did this summer. Loved seeing your stitched piece at the beginning of the video, it’s gorgeous! Hope mine turns out!

[@KimDuPree-y9e]

I’ll probably comment after watching the entire video but I just squealed when you said Herb Robert. A few years ago I spent 3 weeks in Ireland with my best friend, and I fell in love with the little flowers that were everywhere. They are so sweet and lovely. And you used them to eco print 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, they print very well, one of my favourites. I had it everywhere in France, haven't seen any here yet. If I can't find any wild I will get seed and grow some. 😁❤️

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

I look forward to seeing the final result ☘️🌿🍃🌱💚💚💚💚💚💚💚 (sorry for the short message, not a good day today)

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

Ooo been looking forward to this. Will make copious notes as not in a position to try this now. I have my grannie’s old aluminium jam pot and huge wooden spoon - keeping them for dyeing…

[@k3n.clothtales]

Jam pans are perfect, I have a couple, sadly not my Grannie's though ❤️

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

Great video Kathryn. Can't hardly wait until Friday ! ! 💙💚💛🍀🍁🍂🙀

[@toyamcclurkan2951]

I was just wondering if you had done a video about this and then the notification popped up! Serendipity! Also, never apologize for the wrestling sounds. It's my favorite next to the wittering. ❤😂

[@k3n.clothtales]

Nice to hear thank you ☺️

[@pauladickenson106]

So interesting to watch, looking forward to the next part. ❤

[@WendyAnneLewis-1058]

I'm so excited to try this! Thanks for the great tutorial, Kathryn. ❤

[@marythresher3523]

Thanks for this great video. I went for a walk yesterday and picked up leaves from the ground that still had a bit of color to them here in the Midwest of the US. Since I don’t have any mordant for fabric yet I plan on trying this with paper today. What a fun way to spend a Friday…looking forward to watching Part Two later today.

[@joyfullyjustine]

I absolutely love your process! Great video! 🍁🍁🍁

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@louisetonks5599]

Perfect tutorial, thank you. My project for next week, but first I need to thrift a couple of pans from the charity shop 😃

[@margaretmcgregor5686]

Me too!!!! 😊

[@neilstephen6761]

Thank you for sharing

[@loveallo6216]

Loved this ❤and what a cliff or should I say cloth-hanger 😅…looking forward to Fridays results. Thanks K3n x

[@k3n.clothtales]

Cloth hanger 😁❤️

[@Sa_Stafford]

Thank you ❤

[@pilarseyrlehner4265]

I have been watching all your videos lately and I have to say, I so appreciate your method of explaining things. You are a very good teacher. I am teaching myself to slow stitch and I watched several videos on your channel over and over-they are so informative and detailed..including all your obsessive pinning. HAHA. I have made my first Japanese Rice Bag and am working on my second one. Thanks for all you do and teach us. I so appreciate it. Greetings from Virginia Beach , Virginia in the USA.

[@Maria-q9f3o]

Thanks a million, Kathryn, for making this straightforward tutorial for us. It demystifies eco-dyeing, of which there are a ton of videos, all telling you different things. I trust you to tell us the best, and most eco-friendly way, to do it as the images you’ve produced on papers/fabrics are glorious…I’ve ordered some alum lactate which won’t be here for a few days. Meanwhile one of my nieces is coming over tomorrow for a few days, so we are going to eco-dye some papers. We don’t need the alum for that so I’m really looking forward to trying it for the first time.

[@SandraPujari-Harrian]

I’ve been excited about learning this. I’m not home, as usual, but I will be soon and will do this. Of all your work I admire your echo prints the most. ❤❤❤

[@TheHandDyedStitcher]

i’m so glad I found your channel. I’ve enjoyed past episodes, and I look forward to each new one. I grow indigo and natural dye flowers on my small farm in Florida, and love dyeing and Eco printing. We don’t have a lot of variety of trees here, but I still managed to get nice fabric.

[@gonerustic]

I did some eco printing on paper last week and I’m making them into cards and books as I watch this … lovely to see your process and I look forward to seeing the results! My reveal is in my latest video xo

[@k3n.clothtales]

Looking forward to seeing yours Rita. I am very envious of your lovely gum trees ♥️

[@BarbaraEaves-vz1vl]

Thank you, Kathryn. I have done a bit of ecoprinting before, but my process was rather slapdash. No excuses for poor technique now that I have watch your video. 💕💕

[@jj-nb1ll]

Brilliant,thank you.

[@SassySue67]

Kathryn, did you know if you put a wooden toothpick between the lid and the pot it will prevent the pot from boiling over? You can also lay a wooden spoon across the pot if you’re boiling without the lid on. This has saved me many times from a mess on the stove when I wasn’t paying attention. 😂😂. This video was very interesting.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, yes a toothpick is a good idea to keep the lid slightly ajar. ❤️

[@annrubino6252]

Fantastic tutorial, Kathryn. Our leaves in the Rockies are all gone but lots of browned ones on the ground. I'll try a mini bundle of those, just for the fun.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, some will still work, try to find ones still a bit pliable if you can, otherwise soak in warm water for 15 minutes or so. ♥️

[@GuylaineDesfosses]

Merci K3n 😇 infiniment pour ce beau tuto!!! Bien expliqué 🥰 J’adore 💕 Bisous Guylaine

[@HulyaDemir-e6c]

Paylaşım için teşekkürler ketrin 💐👋

[@honeybee4423]

Dear Kathryn...Thank you so very much for the very clear instructions- its not knowing all the bits and processes that puts one off even trying. This was brilliant though so thank you again. By the way I replied to your message regarding purchasing some of your work- my apologies for the delay. Sweet Blessings Mand XO

[@karenstanley4008]

Thank you so much for this video - I have been so looking forward to it! I haven’t been that well recently, with very little interest in anything but I truly feel excited about doing this. Thank you

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure I am so happy to cheer you up a little ♥️

[@SueAylen]

Thank you for this video Kathryn. I’ve known about eco dying but not how to do it. I came to the program late and have finally caught up to you. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process and will post some of my finiahed projects on the FB page soon. PS I loved the Hungarian Square and have made several to apply to Christmas cards 😀

[@janet7640]

Soooo exciting. Your instructions and demonstration so clear, dear Kathryn. 🍃🍁🧡 xo j

[@filomenaimbruglia6258]

I've been waiting for those videos since a long time😍. Thank youuuu🌿

[@k3n.clothtales]

You're welcome 😊

[@lorisalem1390]

Fascinating!

[@Bo-ti6uy]

Thank you k3n for your answer and for doing it so quickly. I don’t have the ingredients to do the three step process. I would have to order them. I think I will order the aluminum lactate and wait.❤

[@judymarkel8029]

This looks like fun

[@Jookie723]

Thanks for sharing ❤❤

[@kimpeasester]

Bummer...I wish I knew part 2 was on friday...I got all excited thinking I'd see the results in this long video

[@k3n.clothtales]

Friday's video is also long, I wanted to share the whole process ♥️

[@brendatilbury99]

I can’t wait until Friday! I had such wonderful results from the last dyeing project on the silk noil. You have created the Delia / Nigella effect… Wild colours will wonder why there’s a run on aluminium lactate! And I absolutely loved seeing your work in real life at the Shaftesbury exhibition on Monday ❤️xx

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Brenda, my colleague told me you had visited, so pleased you enjoyed it ♥️

[@JanSmith-b7o]

Really enjoyed watching Part 1, so relaxing and informative, looking forward to Part 2 The Big Reveal. I was very excited and pleased with my recent effort following your earlier video, more green leaf gathering required, better be quick. Would evergreens work?

[@k3n.clothtales]

Some evergreens work, though I don't often use them. Some are toxic so require care. ♥️

[@del1336]

Hi Kathryn 👋 Whenever I see you doing this, it always strikes me as being the best Hallowe’en project. Since the celebration has its’ origins in the ancient pagan Celtic festival of Samhain which marked the end of the summer growing season & harvest and the beginning of winter, as does the dropping of the leaves as the trees enter into their winter hibernation. Both the Celtic Samhain festival and the falling of leaves symbolises the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead, - although the tree itself isn’t dying, it is allowing its’ leaves to die to make space for renewal in Spring. By harvesting the leaves that are in the transition phase between living and dying (ooh! Perfect pun! 🤩) for your EcoPrinting, it’s almost like you are honouring the ancient festival, and performing magic, which is also associated with Hallowe’en. Do you see what I mean / the rabbit hole that my brain is ferreting around in? …which brings me to a question ; while I don’t have children of my own, in your opinion, would this be a project that could be done with children, to maybe demonstrate the magic of nature, as an alternative to the imported more American celebrations that we have adopted in the UK now? For me, Hallowe’en will always be about playing ducking apples, maybe Conkers, and having toffee apples as a super sticky treat..oh…and the smell of baked apples filled with dried fruit, which my mum used to make for my dad as a pudding at this time of year…and going out door-to-door, with my (great ) Aunty Kitty, not trick-or-treating but selling paper Remembrance poppies for the RBL 🥰🫠 Hallowe’en in the 1970’s was Hyggelig (cosy) time for me. I don’t feel that about it now, and I’ve just realised how much I miss it …maybe because it was a time for making stuff? Threading chestnuts onto string for playing Conkers, making paper Poppies, carving up pumpkins ( and making an almighty mess in the process 🫢🎃) making broomsticks and witches hats…🤔… and now I’m fancying some Pumpkin Pie - that’s one American Import that I’m very happy to bring in to my own Hallowe’en tradition 🤤 Thanks for the inspiration & for bringing back some lovely memories, Kathryn, and Happy Hallowe’en 🧡 🕸️🐈‍⬛🍂🍃🍁🍎

[@k3n.clothtales]

Absolutely great with children, taking due care with the boiling and mordanting part of course. I absolutely agree about the making things to celebrate. Yes, Sawhain the Celtic New Year. I am not a pagan but I do like the more Nature oriented observance of the different times of year. ♥️

[@dailydoseofpaper]

Always good to see you do a little chemistry magic! I am looking into the mordant part (i think it is Aluin here in the Netherlands) and need to get a move on because the leaves are turning quickly now. Looking forward to see how your bundle unfolds!🍀💖🥰💐

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am pretty sure you can get it, if you have trouble just shout and I can ask my friend who lives in Holland where she gets hers from. ♥️

[@dailydoseofpaper]

@ oh that would be great Kathryn, thank you ! But I think the Aluin is the right thing 💖🍀💐💝💕

[@MyMeriArt]

I might need to skip the project this time atound (but still watching the videos). I was wondering if one could use the alum we use for cooking, and if so, how much for a bundle your size. Thank you!

[@k3n.clothtales]

That is alum sulphate so requires the three step process, it's not something I do but you can read about it here www.wildcolours.co.uk/html/alum-tannin.html

[@MyMeriArt]

@k3n.clothtales thank you

[@MoonandSixpence]

💗💗💗

[@FranPinkerton]

The Yarn Tree in the USA sells Alum Lactate. Also other natural dyes

[@k3n.clothtales]

Brilliant thank you Fran 😉

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

Thank you FranPinkerton, saves me from searching. I'm in upstate NY.😊🙃😊

[@cigale1254]

Thank you for this. I do eco printing for some years now and I use simple alum. Other ingredients are difficult to get in the Netherlands. They have to come from out EU causing enormous shipping costs (in case they do send them). Results vary always. I am curious for your next unpacking session.

[@k3n.clothtales]

I have a friend in the Netherlands, and expert ecoprinter and she gets alum lactate and acetate so I am sure it's available but if alum sulphate is working for you then great ❤️

[@cigale1254]

@@k3n.clothtales Thank you, I'll keep an eye open.

[@correzecyclingholidays6419]

Very useful thank you! One question...what was the volume of rainwater in the pan that you poured your 1:10 Alum solution into and so what was the final ratio??

[@k3n.clothtales]

I would guess about 10 litres but the volume of water doesn't matter, as long as there is enough water for the cloth to float freely. ❤️

[@nancydale7367]

Can you put the leaves back out into nature after the process? Those red maple are sooooooooo gorgeous!!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, I put them in the compost ♥️

[@jeanetteinger2124]

Thank you Kathryn for teaching these exciting dye methods. I want to give it a go. You mentioned once using an old aluminum pot to cook in. Is a stainless steel one ok? I have induction elements, which need induction pots. Aluminum have not got the induction bottoms. 😬 Looking forward to giving this a go.😃

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes stainless steel is fine, the one I used is stainless steel. I have several aluminium pans because they are easy and cheap to find second hand but stainless steel is what's called 'non reactive ' so is fine to use too. ♥️

[@Bo-ti6uy]

Wonderful video. So easy to follow. Thank you for making it and sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I know so little about mordant. I have some alum I bought years ago to make cucumber pickles and never used it. Now I know it not good for you. I don’t know why I didn’t throw it out but it was in my cupboard so I’m wondering if it would work as a mordant. I would like to do some dyeing as soon as possible, while I can still do it outside. I live close to Edmonton, Canada and it’s getting cold. The container just says alum. I know that alum contains aluminum, but that is all that I know about it. I hope you can answer my question or maybe someone else watching this video will know the answer.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, it's probably alum sulphate which requires the three step process I talk about, alum tannin alum. It's not something I do but here's a link explaining www.wildcolours.co.uk/html/alum-tannin.html ❤️

[@wickchick1963]

Totally enjoyed that, thank you! Maybe I missed it but what does mordanting do? Can't wait to see the results!! 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

Mordanting chemically changes the cloth so that the results are stronger and more fast, ie the prints don't wash out or fade. You're right, I didn't explain that, sorry. ♥️

[@eirini403]

Dear Kathryn thank you for your wonderful and free instructions which are so valuable for us it is so generous from your side . Is this amount of cloth and paper will be enough to prepare so we can follow along with the new journal as well?Again thank you so much for all those wonderful things.

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure, yes this amount will make a nice little journal, probably more than enough but it's nice to have options. ♥️

[@christinawatson6048]

Oh my goodness Kathryn this was better than Christmas ……seeing that you were doing another eco printing video - it’s made my day and can’t wait to see the results. Roll on Friday ( nothing like wishing my life away) A question I have a few rusty rods that I found - perfect size to pop into a pot. Can I roll up my bundle round these prior to cooking ?

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes you can, it will probably make the middle of the bundle quite dark. I have rolled paper around things like tin cans etc, wider things so it doesn't crease and disintegrate too much. But iron rods are great for cloth. ♥️

[@tracyleecornish5398]

Hi Katherine, is it best to take it out of the pot let it cool and then leave it to unwrap the bundle the next day? For best results? I have let my pot almost boil, then turned the gas low and let it simmer for two hours. Turned it off then taken out the bundles to cool?? Hope thats correct? Oh I should add I have put old horseshoes in there for the iron and also have gum leaves and banksia leaves in the bundle and also in the pot as well as brown onion skins pot and fabric. My fabric is wrapped around small copper piping around 1.5 inches to hold the fabric then tied the bundle with string as you did prior to putting into the pot of water. Thank you for sharing the video with us.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes that all sounds perfect Tracy ☺️

[@tracyleecornish5398]

@@k3n.clothtales Thanks so much for taking the time to reply really appreciate it Katherine looking forward to seeing part two and the rest. I am really looking forward to seeing how it all turns out will let you know tomorrow. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@lovepaper68]

thank you for that video! As English isn’t my native language I maybe missed it - but what is the mordant process for and what happens if I skip this step whille eco dyeing cotton cloth😬? 🤗Angelika

[@k3n.clothtales]

If you don't mordant cotton and linen, you will get very poor results that won't last. Mordanting changes the nature of the cloth so that it permanently takes on the colour. I should have explained that more clearly, sorry. ❤️

[@lovepaper68]

@ ahhh … thank you for promtly answering 😊!

[@claresmith5688]

So pleased to see your latest post. I dont think ill get Alum lactate nor Alum acetate, the closest seems to be Alum sulphate. Probably no good? Or no mordant but i see you dont recommend this! Im jn Sourh Africa.

[@k3n.clothtales]

No mordant will give very poor results unless you use silk or wool. I found alum acetate here tamaaproducts.co.za/industries/dyeing-chemicals/ this is the process for alum sulphate www.wildcolours.co.uk/html/alum-tannin.html ❤️

[@annaarmitage7348]

Dear Kathryn, As we discovered, Maiwa here in Canada does not carry (yet?) aluminum lactate. It does however carry something called aluminum triformate, which they say (quote:) "For a cold temperature mordant for cellulose fibres this is an easy one step mordant procedure.". Do you have any knowledge or experience with this product. I'm curious about and may purchase some just to try. But I'll have to try next year because with the weather the past few days, all the leaves have dried up and fallen off the trees! I hate waiting, but there you have it lol.

[@k3n.clothtales]

I must say I haven't heard of it. The Yarn Tree has alum lactate though. I am sorry I was too late for your leaves. 😔❤️

[@annaarmitage7348]

@k3n.clothtales Oh but I'll have all winter to dream about the fun to be had next year! I'm looking forward to trying yor process. I did some ecoprinting this sumer so will have enough cloth for winter fun. I used soymilk as a binder and I agree, it does make the hand of the cloth a bit stiffer. But it worked out OK on the thin cotton I used xo

[@debbiesavage7107]

Do you have an opinion on using soy milk for the mordant? My knowledge is very, very slim about this whole process. But, i did use soy milk several years ago. It seems to have worked but i haven’t washed the fabrics more than twice or three times since then. If you have no time, an answer isn’t necessary. I do know i need to take a walk in the woods! 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

I don't have much experience, I did try in my early days but found it changed the hand of the cloth in a way I didn't like. Soy milk works as a blinder rather than a mordant (which chemically changes the cloth) in that it forms a protein 'skin' over the surface of the cotton or linen so it behaves like a protein fibre. Some ecoprinters have excellent results with it, it's just not my process. ❤️

[@debbiesavage7107]

@@k3n.clothtales That seems correct, to me. The fabrics seem more stiff. They definitely have an odor/scent. Thanks for the quick answer! Looking forward to Fridays video!

[@annjaeckel8338]

Would evergreen laves work…..cedar, fir etc.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Some do , especially with iron because of the tannin reaction. I would experiment with what you have. I mostly have deciduous trees so that is what I use. ❤️

[@JudeThompson224]

I love watching your videos. I will have to skip this week in my slow stitching journal. As all our leaves are gone and crumbly on the ground. Other than a few Oak leaves, but they’re just hanging on at this point in our dark brown. Something to look forward to next spring. I’m looking forward to the results of mixing paper and cloth. Take care. Hope you’re doing well.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Jude, I am doing ok. Sorry I was too late for your leaves. ❤️

[@Dollylit1]

Silly question, but what happens if you don’t mordant?

[@k3n.clothtales]

Not a silly question, I should have made it clear. You won't get much colour or many prints and what you do get won't last. ❤️

[@Dollylit1]

@ thank you and will get some mordant to use.

[@AnneGinders]

I notice how flat your leaves are... Have you pressed them for a bit?

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, I had them between paper under a book, only because I gathered them a day or so earlier, not necessary for freshly gathered leaves ❤️

[@EileenSpeakman]

Oops - not Wonky Wednesday after all. This eco printing is probably not something I would do (did some cloth printing and dyeing many years ago, thought it wasn't for me, I preferred sewing garments ). but I am loving your tutorials, and everything you, and we followers make, can be handed down through the family and become tangible proof of our part in family history. Part 2 tomorrow, and perhaps some park home life as well? And hopefully Stella and FredFred.. E♥️

[@k3n.clothtales]

Sorry so many people were asking that I made this in place of the usual Wonky Wednesday, but it will be back to normal next week, Park Home Life also next week, part two of the ecoprinting tomorrow ❤️

[@EileenSpeakman]

@k3n.clothtales Oh Kathryn - no apology needed, I've had a bothersome week/fortnight, the universe was conspiring against me - nothing serious, just lots of little irritations - and I wasn't paying proper attention to the videos. I'm looking forward to the next one. Keep warm these chilly nights. E♥️

[@zhinka1]

are you getting the filthy ads on youtube lately too? The forced to watch ad I just saw was totally unrelated to sewing and it should have been in a porn movie.youtube should make everything family friendly! I had my 5 year old nephew on my lap!

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am so sorry, I have no control over the ads they show on my channel but they should all be family friendly 🙄❤️