The latest bed (number six! We're halfway there!) took over the section of yard with the indigo. I figured it was time to harvest. Last time I tried dyeing with it, it wasn't terribly successful.
Exactly the same procedure, but this time the leaves had soaked overnight in the water. I don't believe that made any difference, but they smelled terrible when I strained them out of the heated water.
By the time dyeing time actually came around -- had to build that bed, after all -- it was really late after a long, hot day, so I stuffed the fiber in there (no yarn this time, alas -- I'll have to spin it up) and after a bit, pulled it back out.
Whoopie! Real blue. I think the less-dyed spots will spin up so the yarn will look like old denim jeans. That should be a few bobbins full to remember! I'll have to wait for some of that spare time I keep hearing about to attempt it.
Since Denise and Kevin are out of town, I did some garden chores at their house. Pretty minimal, actually. I realized it's a good thing there is at least one hearty eater in the house -- they've got a ton of food coming out of that garden! When I came home it was like visiting Lilliput. I guess that's what lots of fertile soil and lots of water will do for you.
I wrote down all that I got, and the weights, and we gave a bit to neighbors and also to the local food bank. I just couldn't eat it all.
I could, however, do some kitchen magic. Nothing like some gardeners (cough*granny*cough), but enough to make me happy. All those tomatoes? I used Mr. Crockpot to cook them down to a rich tomato confit of sorts. I'll use it as a base for sauces and soups.
My Principe Borghese are drying tomatoes, and last night I figured I'd give that preparation a whirl. Overnight in a warm oven, they turned into perfect, leathery little gems. I can't wait to try them on pizza and pasta! I'm looking forward to growing them next year with more fertility. I like dried tomatoes.
Fortunately, Sven is going to do the next visit to their garden so I won't be overwhelmed with squash and tomatoes.
I'm actually going to plant lettuce and kale tonight -- christening the new beds, actually. Hooray!
