though they were attractive, they usually only lasted from wash to wash. Therefore, as
part of the laundry process, many clothes would have to be re-dyed on a regular basis.
In some communities there were professional dyers who would colour your yarn for a fee, but most of the faded calicoes and cottons, were restored at home. Commerical dyes were available as early as 1856, but not in common use until the 1870's. These dyes lasted longer, cutting down on the need for frequent restoration.
Old gowns were cut down to dress little girls and the adults' stockings were mended, cut down and re-dyed for the children. Alum was used to set the dyes, and I myself, have had some success with vinegar.
" A vulgar girl wears bright and glaring colours, fantastically made; a large flaring, red, yellow, or sky-blue hat, covered with a rainbow of ribbons, and all the rings and trinkets she can load upon her .
"Single ladies should dress less in fashionable society than married ones, and all more plainly and substantially for walking or travelling, than on other occasions."
Spinach juice was strained and bottled for green; indigo was used for blue; and red was usually beet juice. For flavourings, small bottles were filled with brandy; and then rose leaves added to one, orange or lemon peel to another, or peach leaves to create an even different taste. Peach pits would also be saved, dried and boiled in milk to flavour custard and some women even beat their batter with fresh peach twigs for added flavour.
