How to Make a Natural Dye Using Lichens

Lichens are an interesting source of natural dyes that have been used for color long before mushrooms. They are a combination of fungus and algae. I wanted to explore this branch of natural dyes with the help of my Mom, Dorothy Beebee, who began dyeing with lichens 50 years ago!

In this video we use Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) using a simple water boil dye process. Our sample is 100% wool, no mordant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you collect lichens - never collect from trees or rocks - only collect from what has fallen to the ground. Lichens are a living organism that can take years to grow - please be respectful of their important role in our ecosystem.

Come say hi and see what I'm dyeing/knitting:
  / myramadecolor  
  / hookeddyed  

Or check out what I'm writing here:
https://www.myramadecolor.com