Finally a hot, dry, sunny and slightly breezy day was predicted. So on Tuesday I dyed black, the next batch of teasels. Having managed to start work at 07.30,  I worked almost continuously until 13.30 with a quick stop for lunch. Using Indian ink is a messy business and I just wanted to get on with it, the cleaning up process being long enough in itself. I dyed 3,640 teasels (91 bunches, each bunch being a 'hand' of 40 teasels), in total, leaving aside a few single black teasels in case I decide to insert them randomly into the main body of work, at a later date. I purchased 30 litres of Indian ink and I have now got just under 5 litres remaining. Maths plays an important part in the work I'm currently doing. This reflects what it must have been like for the teasel farmers........without the teasel numbers, there would be no profit.

These are some images of the teasel bunches drip drying in the sun. From a distance they remind me kippers drying in a smoke house!

Still waiting for another full day of SUN (possibly next year!!!), when I can dye the next batch of teasels.......Meanwhile I've started partially loading the poles with teasels au naturel, with my husband providing the extra point of interest at crucial moments.

Having finally got a dry day in which to work outside......I have now almost completed one pole. All teasel bunches are now tied together with wire and wired on to the pole. Interestingly whatever it is that is infesting the teasels is still trying to survive on the black teasel, as there is still signs on a web-like structure. I can imagine a gallery with an infestation! The 'worm' goes with the theme of death......

I think they look rather like 'over done' chicken satay. My neighbour Olive kindly gave me a hand to get the pole inside before the rain starts again. She had a shock when she saw all the bunches of teasels piled up in the piano room.

Went back to Uphill on Friday to collect more teasels this time on my own. Found a new source in a more sheltered low lying area. Lots of dog walkers stopped to ask me what I was doing. The dogs don't like me carrying bundles of teasels and start barking which is rather disconcerting.
Saw the pair of deer again coming from the estuary and heading for the reed beds.
Some of the teasels seem to be infested with a worm/grub which seems to create a small web-like structure on the outside of the teasel. Can't find anything about it on the internet so will have to ask around. Most important thing is to try and avoid picking these teasels lest they infect the rest of my precious crop.

Have tried stacking them on a pole today without using any fixing material but this is not going to work as these teasels are not prickly enough!!!! The hooked teasels probably naturally 'hooked' together. I'm going to have to wire these on and aim to transport poles with teasels in situ. I'm not sure how well they will travel but I haven't got much choice.

Another good day collecting teasels, this time at Uphill near WSM. A gloriously sunny day. Skylarks singing, swans swimming and deer hiding in the reed beds.

Many thanks to my two trusty helpers Liz and Bella 'the bold'!

Tuesday is dyeing day.........2,240 black teasels drying on a pole etc etc

First fine day I've had time to do this job. Indian ink in my hair, on my face and all over my clothes, but it is successful and quite quick to do. This number of teasels should cover one pole.....

Interestingly the shellac in the ink holds the teasel bunches together which is advantageous as the teasels are old and potentially crumbly. Once completely dry I'll have to find them a new storage place!

I've also finally cracked the best way of turning the teasels black. Spray paint too much mess, waste and smell. Black dye doesn't seem to get absorbed through outer layer. But Nina suggested Indian ink, so I tried some Quink first and then a small bottle of Indian ink and have now placed a large order! I hope to be able to dip the teasels in bunches and speed up the whole process. Indian ink is apparently made from soot.....

Can you tell the difference?