Eco printing on wool

I’ve been discovering the joys of ecoprinting on vintage woolen blankets. I’d already been working with silk and cotton but had been wanting to try some wool which is either very expensive if new or difficult to find if recycled . Vintage blankets are a good way to get a decent amount of yardage at a reasonable price for the beginner. They’re hard to come by so when I get my hands on one it’s exciting planning what to make with it.

I’ve done capes…

and ponchos…

This one found a new home at the recent Etsy Christmas Market.

as well as bags and clutches…

Both these simple bags sold so I’m not the only one in love with eucalyptus prints on wool!

I have two freshly washed and folded blankets sitting in my stash at the moment and I’ve been waiting impatiently to start layering them with leaves so tomorrow could be the day!

Responses

Loretta

January 12, 2020

wow i love the bags could
I ask what do you mean by vintage blankets . I love the leaf pattern and would love to try in a different colour x well done you are so industrious and talented .
Loretta

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1. lindywhitton
  
  January 20, 2020
  
  Thanks Loretta. The wool blankets are just old blankets that are no longer used for bedding. It’s difficult to predict the leaf colours as they vary depending on many factors for the same tree. !
  
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Donna Foster

April 1, 2021

I really like the pattern of the poncho. This will be a great gift for my granny she will love it.
Thanks for showcasing the lovely poncho.

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1. lindywhitton
  
  April 1, 2021
  
  Your very welcome. It’s ne of my favourites 🙂
  
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Theresa

January 10, 2024

I have managed to find an old white 1951 airforce wool blanket. I’m not sure how to prepare the fabric prior to printing as I have only used cellulose fabrics so far. Any advice on whatntondontomit before printing would be greatly appreciated ❤️

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1. lindywhitton
  
  January 21, 2024
  
  Hi Theresa,
  What a find!
  If you are planning to print with eucalyptus which gives a substantive print then you simply need to wash to clean.
  I usually wash on a hot cycle not a wool cycle so as to get a good clean. I’m not fussed about a bit of shrinkage or felting as the wool will be steamed or simmered for up to 3 hours for eucalyptus anyway. I might steam, simmer or use the dirty pot method depending on what outcome I’m after.
  If I’m using other leaves then I’ll mordant with PAS (Potassium Aluminium Sulphate) in the usual way for protein fabrics. You can use other mordants as well. Here’s a good article that you might find helpful. https://botanicalcolors.com/how-to-mordant/
  Have fun with your blanket.
  Lindy 🙂
  
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  1. taheer1f2b986802
    
    January 24, 2024
    
    Hi Lindy
    
    Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I really appreciate the advice and the very helpful link to mordants.
    
    Sincerely
    
    Theresa 🙂
    
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