Alkaline & Protein

In spite of the resemblance, this is not what you might think it is. It is, in fact, some of my Russian linen having an invigorating splash about in an egg protein bath. I have discovered in my recent foray into natural dyes that linen is not a good conductor. India Flint in her wonderful book 'Eco-Colour: Botanical Dyes for Beautiful Textiles' came to my rescue with a chemistry 101 course. The gist of it is that plant dyes like to bond with protein and alkaline protons  which are not naturally present in cellulosic fibres such as linen or cotton.

After a bit of a swim in washing soda and then eggs, I'm now getting a much stronger take-up of colour in my linen. This morning I threw some avocado stones from the compost into the pot and got a gritty rust colour that I love.

The Frenchman looks on in abject horror at my potions and mutters darkly about being burnt at the stake. By late afternoon, yesterday he had fled inside after his Gallic nostrils were assailed with the brisk smell of rancid eggs. I was going to read him the edifying passage in India's book in which we are told a bucket of fermented urine can be used as a mordant but I think I'll save that for a time when I really want to annoy him. I'll show you more of the results soon.
x
PS Hope you weren't reading this one over your breakfast cereal. Sorry!

Comments

[trashalou]

I shall regale CK with this post. He thinks he is the only one who lives with a witch!

[Hyena In Petticoats]

Oh I love this!

I read a book once where apparently the only thing you have to do to become a witch is recite "I am a Witch" three times out loud.
Then soak some of the household linens in your own urine. Heh!

xxxxx

[bobbinoggin]

lol! mmm.. sounds like some great breakfast reading to me!

[katiecrackernuts]

Eeek. I could go on about 14-year-old boys, their lack of aim and the constant battle to make him flush the toilet. He's a little vague of late. A lot of gagging from the rest of the family seems to be doing the trick. Sisters can be less polite about their finds than most.

[rubyellen]

wow! you make it look so easy, but i am still intimidated!!! i can't wait to see how it comes out...