[Regia-NA] Samples of natural dyed yarn

[Jan Ward]

Hi all,
I've been involved in a natural dyes project for a
Complex Weavers (National weaving guild) study group,
and  it seems that there will be at least a few sets
leftover after I send in the required number for the
samples exchange within the group.
These are samples on wool, silk, linen, hemp and
cotton yarns of the dyes available to Medieval dyers
in Europe. There are a couple of anomalies--lac and
indigo were not usually available, especially in early
period Northern Europe. Also, cochineal is a new world
dye, but is similar to Kermes, which is a European dye
bug.
The dyes I've used are: madder, weld, woad, walnut,
indigo, cochineal, and lac.
I offered Martin a set for each group. They can be
used to check colors on store-bought fabric or yarn to
see whether the commercial stuff is approximating
period colors. Martin suggested I contact the list,
and any group who wants a set can let me know (along
with an address of where to send same).
The sample set is by no means complete. It is just to
give you an idea of the colors. 
Next year I'm planning to do a set of lichen dyes for
the study group, and I'll make extras for people who
want them.
Jan