So before temps soar above 100 today I picked & prepped some more dyestuff. The Diospyros Texana Persimmon branches are heavy with the green fruit and is ready to pick.
An item of interest, in the four years I’ve been watching the persimmon bushes I’ve never seen a heavier or thicker crop on the branches. I don’t know if this is the effect of more rain earlier this year compared to the 2009 & 2011 drought years. We’ll see soon how the color comes in on the silk.
In addition I strained some of my Parmotrema Austrosinense Lichen which has been soaking in a high ph bath of ammonia and water.
The lichens gathered in Dec 12 are on the left and the lichens gathered in early fall 2012 are on the right. My paper towel test gives me a decent indication as to what color to expect a dye bath to yield. Do you think it is the 3 month soak difference or the time of year gathered?
Time to wash the dishes & head inside to cool off!
debmcclintock 
Good luck with your colors.
Yes, inside is best today! Mom
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I’m betting it’s the time of year or the amount of rainfall. The lichens I’ve used were deep magenta/purple within days, so I don’t think it’s the soak time. Can’t wait to see your results from the persimmons!
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P.S. Stay cool! We’re forecast to get 112 tomorrow, and the heat will travel East after it leaves here…
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I can offer nothing to your understanding of the colours. I just think they are wonderful! Keep cool!
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