Lichen Experiment 2020

This was a lichen dyeing experiment changing the pH of the dyebath.  The lichen on the left is Usnea hirta; in the middle is Lobaria pulmonaria; on the right is Usnea longissima. Fiber samples include a hank of wool yarn and silk and cotton fabric swatches.  Each lichen was simmered for 3 hours before entering fiber.

Usnea hirta

The bundle on the left was at pH 4; in the center, pH 7;  on the right, pH 9

All fibers were simmered simultaneously with lichen for 2 hours.

Lobaria pulmonaria

The bundle on far left was at pH 4 (1hr); left-center was at pH 4 (2hrs).

The bundle right-center was at pH 9 (2hrs)

All fibers were simmered simultaneously with the lichen.

Usnea longissima

The bundle on the left was at pH 4; in the center, pH 7;  on the right, pH 9

All fibers were simmered simultaneously with lichen for 2 hours.