Iron Gall Ink -- Shelley Base (NSW Worsted)

Iron Gall Ink is just a whisper away from black yarn, and has plenty of subtle variation and moody splotchiness that will keep you stitching to see what’s next.

Traditional iron gall ink process involves the assistance of wasps and oak trees, some chemistry, and a lot of patience. The process creates a light blue-black ink that has the potential to oxidize through paper and destroy metal nibs. The addition of aniline to the ink results in a lovely blue-black or even violet hue. The ink is extremely waterproof, deceptively, as it first seems too watery until it darkens up immediately after applied to paper. You’ll find it in abundance in medieval manuscripts and many of the old books and archival materials that haunt your favorite library, where after time it loses it’s dark gray punch and begins to brown.

Base: Shelley (Light Worsted) 100% U.S. Rambouillet/Merino (Nonsuperwash); 240 yards / 100 grams.

Price listed is per one (1) skein of yarn.

All indie-dyed yarn works up differently depending on gauge, project size, and needle/hook size. Swatches are shown in superwash sock base, from a previous dye batch, to give an average idea of the colorway.