Weaving a Palette from the Victorian High Plains

Palette inspiration from the Victorian High Plains - Rosy Hyacinth Orchid, Dipodium roseum growing across the plains.

Natural grey wool roving dyed with lac insect dye extract, Kerria lacca.

The colours of the Victorian High Plains come alive in this weaving palette, inspired by the Rosy Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium roseum)—its delicate pinks and deep magentas standing out against the muted tones of the landscape.

The journey begins with natural grey wool roving, transformed with lac insect dye (Kerria lacca) into rich, warm hues. Spun together with previous dye experiments—madder, Eucalyptus box stringybark, natural brown wool, Eucalyptus cinerea—the result is a subtle interplay of earth and bloom, depth and vibrancy.

In the centre of this evolving palette, a blend of lac, madder, and natural brown wool begins to take shape, the spinning wheel drawing them together into a unified thread. A landscape in fiber, ready to be woven.

Hank, third from the left is the new blend of lac, madder, and natural brown wool

Rosy Hyacinth Orchid, Dipodium roseum.