Over time, however, the synthetic dyes steadily improved to the point that today they have surpassed the natural dyes in the range and vibrancy of colors available. The drive for better and brighter synthestic dyes was in large part responsible for the rise of large-scale chemical manufacturing. Out of this dye industry, pharmaceuticals and photographic chemicals spun off. Finally, fibers such as nylon and polyesters began to be produced synthetically from petroleum. Thus a large part of the chemical industry originated from the drive for brighter, more colorful, more durable, and cheaper textiles.
Instructions Collect one or two natural dyes.
You will need about half a dozen walnuts. Pokeberries form unruly thickets with red berries. You can choose to use either or both dyes. Black walnut does not require a mordant, while pokeberry requires a mordant in order to remain colorfast. We will use soda ash as a mordant.