After dyeing with wld strawberry leaves last week my eyes rested on another invasive little wonder, the Creeping Charlie that has covered one of my garden beds. Charlie was a stowaway, coming here when we moved from Illinois, in a potted plant. Anyone who has this in their yard knows how happily it spreads, choking out other plants. I thought if I could coax color from it, it might just prove to be useful.
I've previously tried Charlie as tea, the leaves are edible, but it was a bit bitter for my taste. I was thrilled then when I found that it did give some color when tossed in the dye pot. The results are a subtle minty green on cotton and a slightly yellow-green on wool and silk. I used alum as a mordant on all of the fibers.
\Since there is no fear of removing all of this dyestuff from its environment, I've continued to harvest. Even if I *think* I've picked it all, it will be back next year in full force. Nice in terms of the dye pot, less so in terms of my chamomile garden.
Now, what's next? Hmmm...
