Dyeing with Elderberries

Seeing this chunky little bag full of deep purple dried berries I knew I need not look any further.

However when I went to pay the bag wasn't the $1 something like the chamomile had been but closer to $8! Well I will be sure to look at the price per pound next time. However, I wanted them and was willing to pay the price as I realized I could harvest my own in the fall at home.

I was never good with recipes (ask my children) so each batch of dying has had many variables. The plants, the fibers, amount of water, amount of soaking all change from dye to dye. I don't let that stop me and continue on my haphazard way.

This batch I added more water than usual (4 cups to 1 cup berries) and probably should have cooked it longer (boiled for 45 min) but with my mishap last time I was over cautious of the liquid reducing too much.

Soaked overnight cotton , twine and macrame cord. I really like twine and am happy with it's color. I am definitely going to include twine in more of my dyeing.

Not too happy with the cotton and macrame kind of a purplish brown depending on the lighting. Also am disappointed because I used a larger container, had plate holding down fibers, and made sure to stir but still have variation in color on the cotton. Any suggestions anyone? I am hoping the fall berries will give better color and hopefully I will have improved my dyeing skills.