Butternut Bark As a Dye

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Boil the butternut bark in a large iron kettle for 4 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 will 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 dyeing.

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.