Pokeweed

I couldn't resist. I know I said I wasn't going to put energy into natural dying now and instead concentrate on how to combine the different browns and blacks and greys and white but I just couldn't resist.

Adam and I cut down alot of pokeweed a few days ago as it was getting really ripe and was in an area where the sheep were likely to dye their wool while they were still in it. My friend over the hill who has sheep scolded me around this time last year for having it growing where the sheep could brush against it saying it would turn their wool purple (she has all white sheep).

Most of what you read about dying with pokeweed berries says it is beautiful but not colorfast. I found one site that said it does O.K. if you set the color with white vinegar so I had to try it.

I have always loved playing with the berries and squishing them so another reason to do it.

There is quite the contravercy as to what degree they are poisonous. Some old timers swear by their medicinal value if you eat one berry a day and many sites say you should not even touch them without gloves. Since I was dealing with so many I did wear gloves but I don't if I am painting with them or just squishing them. If the color holds to some degree, next year I will have Lyndy come over and stomp them in my galvanized tub but I will give her thin white cotton socks to wear.

Isn't it delightful! I am glad I didn't resist the temptation.