White Indigo, Woad, and Dyeing Magic

I'm always interested to learn more about how threads are dyed. We have many beautiful threads available to us, but much of the process is a trade secret, so it is nice to find a manufacturer (Renaissance Dyeing, which sells wool for embroiders) who is willing to talk about their process, especially since they are dyeing the old-fashioned way. I can imagine 16th Century embroiders buying blue wool made in just this way.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/09/dyeing-with-woad-in-the-south-of-france.html

Mary's found some followup information on woad and dyeing, plus bonus material on making pins.  Fascinating!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/09/pins-and-woad-dyeing-of-textiles.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com