Mushroom: Boletus edulis
This mushroom species complex is in the Boletes/Boletaceae Family. They have sponge-like tubes under the cap, are medium to large in size with a cap and central stalk. The tubes can pull away relatively easily and are lined with basidia from which spores drop down exiting into the air. Boletus edulis is arguably the most famous species complex in the group. Also known as the King Bolete or Porchini, it has a convex cap with a highly variable colour: brown, yellow-brown, cinnamon, reddish brown or even red, with white or pink tints. Common in western North America, it can be found solitarily or in groups under conifers or hardwoods such as birch or oak trees.
In situ
These three B. edulis were found under some oak trees at a local school and were about to be removed when I intercepted them for the pot.
The cap
The cap of Boletes tend to start out looking like bakery buns, before rounding out into a convex shape. The colours in these were amazing - really orange and yellows. They looked a little like Hollywood versions of mushrooms.
Under the hood
Underneath the cup are the tubes - these start out white but become yellow with age. These were peeled away from the rest of the mushroom and dried in the dehydrator.
Tubes were weighed and measured
When I was ready to start dyeing, I weighed out my fiber first. In this case, I had two hanks - one premordanted with alum and the other with iron. Together they weighed 26 grams. I wanted to use a 2:1 fiber to dried mushroom ration so I weighed out 52 grams of dried tubes.
Dye vat
The dried tubes were then placed into a paint mesh bag and then all into a 2-liter glass jar with tap water.
Double boiler method
The jar went into the dye pot with water and simmered for one hour.
Bag out , fiber in
The mesh bag was removed (with the mushroom bits) and the pre-wetted fiber was added in. The fiber was then simmered for another hour and allowed to cool. The smell from the jar was truly compelling - a rich, earthy, meaty smell. Difficult to describe but so divine.
Results
With the alum mordant (and a splash of vinegar), the colour came out a buttery yellow. The yarn also smells divine - earthy, rich and meaty. It’s an incredible smell.
Results
With the iron mordant (and a splash of vinegar), the colour came out more or less the standard medium tan colour.
Ultimately
The best part about this yarn is definitely the smell - earthy, rich and meaty.
