It’s over a month now since I prepared some lichen fermentation jars to try to extract the colour from some likely looking lichens.
First off, oak moss. I didn’t have much hopes of colour from this but thought I’d try anyway since it’s such an abundant lichen. This was fermented the “traditional” way and to begin with it smelled pretty terrible! After a few weeks though the liquid had begun to turn a rich brown colour and it started to smell pleasant and woodsy when I opened the jar
In contrast the yellow lichen, also in a “traditional” fementation jar did not show any improvement in smell or colour over the month.
Equally, in the ammonia fermentation jar, the yellow lichen, although giving a good red when tested with bleach has not given a strong colour to the liquid yet. I’ll wait and see if there is any improvement.
The grey wall lichen has given a rich red colour to the ammonia fermentation liquid, although it’s difficult to see in the photograph. It will be interesting to see what I get from dyeing with this one.
Finally, another lichen that I have simply soaked in water has given a tawny brown colour and I’d like to have a go at dyeing with it as well.
I’ve got an assortment of yarns to test dye with these samples in the next few weeks or so so watch this space!
mako makes stuff 