The Guantian Township Farmers’ Association in Tainan County is teaching home economics students how to tie-dye cloth using dye from discarded water caltrop shells.
The thick, hard water caltrop shells, once removed, are usually viewed as nothing more than garbage. But a spokesman from the association said that after they have been steeped in hot water for 30 minutes or so, their original deep purple color is washed out, providing a dye perfect for tie-dyeing.
The spokesman said using different techniques and ways of tying the cloth up, many variations in depth of color, striping and even patterns can be produced to express the individual artist’s creativity and style.
After the fabric is dyed, it can be used to make hats, tote bags and other objects.
(This article originally appeared in The Liberty Times Oct. 17.)