Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Pokeberry Time

When I pulled in after work today I couldn't help but notice the pokeberries lining the driveway along the barn. I will pick them before the birds eat them all. The berries make a lovely dye color. Sometimes the wool turns yellow, sometimes pink, sometimes red, depending on a variety of things ranging from amount of rain to the alignment of the planets ( I like to think! ) I boil the berries, then strain the juice to get the pits out. I use vinegar as a mordant to make the dye stick. So much to do to get ready for this big show weekend, then a month off before New York State Sheep and Wool at Rhinebeck, my biggest and favorite show of the year.

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:05 PM

    What a wild ride it must be to see which color arrives with each batch of pokeberries! Keep us posted.

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  2. Anonymous6:33 PM

    Maggie! I"m sure your fiber will be wonderful...I love my bag! Thank you sooo much for my wonderful gift and helping to make my Birthday extra special! See you in the AM!

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  3. i love the berry pictures! i am so happy that you and aj got back safe and sound! miss you and can't wait to see you friday!!
    oxoxoxox
    pupkie

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