Mushroom-dyed crochet hats

Crocheting mushroom-dyed hats was an every day activity around the Rice household in 1980s and 90s. Mira Porter, Miriam’s daughter (1945-2000), contributed to the stock sold at the seasonal fungus fairs where Miriam, Dorothy Beebee, Nancy Denison, Andreya von Waldenfels-Marks and friends represented the International Mushroom Dye Institute (IMDI). Winter was always a busy time!

The memorial for Miriam, Ray, and Mira is pictured here. The lettering on these limestone fence posts from Kansas was carved by Christopher Stinehour.

 

Else Vellinga writes in January 2020:

“I’m attaching the photo, made by Mila Visser ‘t Hooft, of the hat in front of the gravestone of Miriam’s daughter who crocheted it long ago. John bought the hat before I knew him (that will date it early nineties at the very very latest).”