Browsing by Author "Vyyryläinen, Niina"

This study examines the technique of natural dyeing in the context of the craft teaching. This research explores the natural color chart of Finland’s nature in mordant dyeing of woolen yarns. The objective is to compile a selection of Finnish natural colors and colorants that are suitable and environmentally friendly in mordant dyeing procedure. In this research I explore also the phenomenon of multidisciplinary approach as a teaching method. The study combines a theory of natural dyes together with environmental education, craft design and modern ways of dyeing. The research is based on collection of natural dyed yarn samples and those related notes made by dyer. These woolen yarn samples were dyed in Southern Finland between decades 1970 and 1990 by one enthusiast. In classification of yarn samples I used qualitative methods to observe visual properties of these yarns. After evaluation the research material consisted of N=178 yarn and 20 different quality of woolen yarns. These 20 samples were tested under the microscope and by burning yarn samples to recognize fiber materials without lab circumstances. The color values were measured by spectrophotometer. These CIELAB codes helped me to find various hues for the color palette. With code numbers the use of colors is possible also in the digital environments like computer graphics. The digital use of colors in design is made possible by changing the color map values to RGB and CMYK color codes used by image editing software and printers. These codes enable the use of digital colors in teaching, design and printing. The study combines post-positivistic and qualitative research methods in the theoretical framework. All conclusions of the Finnish natural colors and colorants in this study are applicable only to the used research material and yarns that are researched. The analysis was conducted by one researcher only, which may have affected on the reliability and validity of the study. On a basic level the range of hues in Finnish color chart for woolen yarn contains yellow, red, green, brown and dark shades. Also, rare shades of blue are possible to find and dye with Finnish natural dyes, but those colors are not included in the color chart. I observed that natural dyes are suitable for environmental education when using natural or nontoxic mordant. Introduced color chart is intended to be used in craft teaching when design items and dye yarns for products made by hand. Environmental education and craft design are easy topics to combine with natural dyeing process in craft teaching. Practical activity, sustainable utilization of the surrounding environment, and the experience in engaging and influencing on environmental issues also support the student’s nature relations in the teaching of crafts.