Matpe bean dye

This little dye project actually began as a cooking project.  I was cooking beans to use in a salad and the water became so thick and dark and yummy that I strained out the beans and added fabric and threads!

The fiber I added was some linen that a friend gave me.  This picture doesn't show it well, but it was baby yellow - something I probably would never use.

I also had a small piece of fabric that had been soaking with rusty nails for some time and decided to throw it in the pot, thinking that the iron may work as a mordant with the bean juice.

After a good long simmer and washing, I must say that I am very happy with the results!