Dyeing Journal 1 Dyed Ramie with Ramie

Ramie is not only a fiber plant, but also a good dye plant.
In May I dyed ramie fiber with fresh ramie leaves and stems.

I first cut leaves and stems into small pieces, put them in a stockpot and poured enough water to cover them.
Boiled about for 40 min, then strained the dye water and let it cool down.
When it came to 60℃, put ramie fiber, which had been soaked in water, in the dye, and keeped the temperture for 20 min.
After finished simmering, I soaked the fiber in 0.1% alum liquid for 20 min.
Then put the fiber again in the dye, heated for 20 min at 60℃.
At last I washed the dyed fiber gently with running water and let it dry in my room.

The colour was not so bright as I've expected, but still nice.