Butternut Bark As a Dye

Ingredients

• large iron kettle full of butternut bark
• 1 tablespoon copperas
• optional: blue vitriol

Directions

1. Boil a large iron kettle full of butternut bark for four hours.

2. Remove the bark and add 1 tablespoon of copperas to the dye.

3. For a black dye, add more copperas or a little blue vitriol (too much vitriol may damage the goods).

4. While the dye is boiling, add the goods and stir continuously.

5. Lift the goods with a stick every few minutes to ensure even coloring.

6. Watch and move the goods until you achieve the desired shade.

7. Do not fold or pack the goods too tightly to avoid spotting.