Eco-Printing

I have been experimenting with eco-printing for a couple of years and have nothing even close to success to report.  However, I have started getting together with some local eco-printers and am starting to have success.  Beth has posted some pictures on her blog of an eco-print party with Janine, Beth and me.  Now, I am not claiming to be India Flint, but I am finally getting some results I can show.  First the pictures and then some information about the process.

Aren't they gor-ge-ous?  LOL

Okay, here is the process that seems to work for me.

1. First I had to mordant the fabric for 24 hours in Alum water.
2. Second I had to soak the fabric in soy milk for an hour.
3. Then I needed to know which leaves to use.  In this area I can use sycamore, apple, cherry, grape, strawberry leaves and runners, raspberry, rose, lilac, Japanese maple, cone flowers, geraniums, and a mystery bush in my woods.
4. Then I needed to lay the leaves onto the wet fabric, roll fabric and leaves tightly on a stick, tie it with a string that won't stretch.
5. Heat water in a large pan and add some metal to give extra color.
6. Boil (or steam but I have more success boiling it) for about 3 hours at a hard boil.
7. Let cool.  Say a prayer.  Unwrap.
8. Peel off the mushy leaves.
9. Don't wash for a couple of weeks, the fabric not me.

Only a few more days (not weeks) of leaves to print for this year and then I have to wait for spring.