Pomegranate Dyed Playsilks
A Simple Craft in Natural Food Dyes
Pomegranates have been a symbol of love, prosperity and ambition throughout history. It is one of the oldest fruits in cultivation and its rind has been used as dye by carpet makers for hundreds of years. The golden yellow dye is a surprising hue and makes for a beautiful glowing silk for play, holiday wrapping, gifts, and so much more!
Dyeing your Playsilks
Soak your Playsilks in warm water as you prep the pomegranates.
Peel the pomegranate skin away from the seeds. Gather the rind and put them in your aluminum pot with enough water to cover them. The aluminum metal makes our dye a deep yellow. Stainless steel will also work but the dye will be a lighter shade.
Simmer the rinds for 1 hour on very low heat. Coaxing the color out gently. You may need to add more water to the pot.
Strain the rind from the dye and put the liquid back into the aluminum pot. Simmer the dye alone in the pot for an additional 30 minutes.
Ring out your soaked Playsilks and add them to your dye pot. Using a spoon, gently mix them into the dye making sure the dye covers the silk well. You may need to add more water to cover them.
Simmer your Playsilks in the dye for 1 hour, giving it a stir every so often. Then turn off the heat and leave your Playsilks in the pot overnight to soak.
Ring out your silks and hang to dry out of direct sun. Once dry, use a warm iron to brighten its sheen.
Furoshiki Wrapping Steps
Start with your Playsilk flat. Fold in two opposing corners.
Fold each folded corner over your gift. Tie the ends of the remaining corners in a knot or bow.
May your winter season be full of creativity and simple beauty.
xoxo,
Sarah & Madlyn