Unexpected Dye Color: Lavender from Red Sorrel

I noticed the Red Sorrel in my garden stained my hands, so I cut it all down, chopped it up and put it into a stainless pot. I had intended it for soup, but this purpose seemed more interesting. Reds, purples, and blues have been nonexistent in my dyer's palette so far, although I am still a novice.  I have now planted madder and am experimenting with Silver Dollar eucalyptus.

(Rumex sanguineus) or Blood Red Sorrel, seeds available from Baker's Heirloom Seeds 

May 12---harvested Red Sorrel leaves and stems, simmered an hour, rich ruby dye, so far. Added 2 Silk Scarves and 4 oz. Licorice Twist yarn from Dhama Trading, and 1 oz. skein of Gaia Organic 100% wool from Paradise Fibers. All had been previously mordanted in alum and soaked before adding to dye bath.

Heating it now, so far the dye bath is red, treated this very gently, and let sit overnight.  The dye bath was a beautiful ruby color.  Added the fibers the next morning, cold, and brought to low simmer.

Red scarf soon dries a lavender color

2 scarves came out maroon, drying to light purple, Gaia skein is very nice Oatmeal color, Licorice Twist skein grayish purple, with darker twist

 Scarf drying from dark maroon to mauve  on wisteria vine

Red Sorrel in the garden; this is a rare variety that I grew from seed, there is also a green variety, but I don't think that will dye.  The red has faded some in the last couple of years, and I haven't tried it again.