Visual artist, collector of New Zealand pigments for paint making, printmaker, and dyer using plant and solar dyes.
3 replies to Harakeke colours
I have just started experimenting with harakeke dye (from seed pods) on linen… and have got similar colors to you, however, I was using a steam iron on one piece and I think the iron leaked a little water, and the droplets have turned purple on the fabric? I’m trying to figure out what metal or substance might have caused this, I’d like to replicate it. Have you ever got purple from harakeke + another substance? Thanks.
How exciting! I have not used the colour I get from harakeke seedpods on fabric. Must try it! As you say it must be something in the water. Thanks for contacting me – I’ll let you know if I get anywhere. Dyers use different mordants to achieve a colour change – perhaps Wendy Feldberg (Threadbare website) might help – wendyfye@wordpress.com
Celia
Oops — yes, just looked at the post! I have dyed fabric with harakeke – just these squares though! Was thinking of yards – and I’d forgotten about the flowers. I see alum did not change the colour – ferrous oxide might.
Celia Wilson 
I have just started experimenting with harakeke dye (from seed pods) on linen… and have got similar colors to you, however, I was using a steam iron on one piece and I think the iron leaked a little water, and the droplets have turned purple on the fabric? I’m trying to figure out what metal or substance might have caused this, I’d like to replicate it. Have you ever got purple from harakeke + another substance? Thanks.
How exciting! I have not used the colour I get from harakeke seedpods on fabric. Must try it! As you say it must be something in the water. Thanks for contacting me – I’ll let you know if I get anywhere. Dyers use different mordants to achieve a colour change – perhaps Wendy Feldberg (Threadbare website) might help – wendyfye@wordpress.com
Celia
Oops — yes, just looked at the post! I have dyed fabric with harakeke – just these squares though! Was thinking of yards – and I’d forgotten about the flowers. I see alum did not change the colour – ferrous oxide might.