This video shows how to make a beautiful basket with pine needles and raffia. This kit and supplies can be purchased from my website:
https://www.traditionalcraftkits.com
Dyeing Pine Needles:
* Turn oven to 400°
* Place pine needles in a roasting pan
* Pour water over them so they are covered
* Stir in dye (Rit: 1-2 tbs powder, 4-8oz liquid)
* Place in oven until water reaches boil point
* Reduce heat to 250° for several hours
* Rinse and let dry
Notes:
* Can dye spotty old pine needles a to hide natural imperfections
* Can prewash needles in 1/2c vinegar and water soak, or vinegar water and baking soda, or dish soap to clean pine needles
* Can add 1/4c salt to roast pan to improve vibrancy
* Can add 1/2c glycerine to roast pan to preserve pliability
* Re-wet pine needles when weaving unless glycerine is used.
For raffia, I have success dyeing it with Rit dye and very hot boiling water in a bin for about an hour until the color you want is achieved, rinse and hang dry.
