My hope with this latest dye work was to rejuvenate two sturdy but stained cotton duvet covers. I wrapped one of them, on the right, with jute string, thinking I would get some eel grass and areas of deep blue. (Because the fabric is twisted tight, the dye doesn’t penetrate evenly; I am always amazed at the contrasts.)
In the centre of the other one, I stitched a spiral leading out to a single trail. I also tied some beach stones in fairly random places. The spiral didn’t work as I thought it might but there’s a lovely circular Fibonacci pattern there which is a nice surprise.
I could do this forever. It takes time, going back and forth to submerge the fabric in dye, then removing it to let it oxidize. You pretty much need most of a day. I let them bundles sit out overnight and discovered this morning that a bear cub had been to the compost, leaving a pile of poop near the dyed bundles. Maybe it was curious. I wonder if it is wandering around, blue-nosed, this morning?
So after a vinegar rinse, the fabric is now hanging to dry. I’ll let it rest for a few days, then I’ll wash it with gentle soap. And to use up the remaining dye, I put a length of ramie (a fibre related to nettles) and another length of some unknown stuff I bought for its contrasting weave. I don’t imagine they’ll get very dark — most of the indigo was used up — but they might make nice tablecloths or scarves or who knows. Not me. Not yet.
Your fabric turned out quite beautiful. Now I want to try tie dying again. The last time I did that I was probably 12. My grandson is 7 and this summer he went to the Strathcona Wilderness Art Camp and they made tie dye shirts using plants as well as the dye. His shirt turned out very nice but he wears it backwards so that he can see the design on the back:)
I’ve found a couple of books that are helpful. Anna Joyce’s Hand Dyed has some small projects that would be a good way to start, I think. And the Maiwa website has lots of information and is a wonderful source for dyes and mordants, etc. I have some stuff stored in my outdoor work space (It’s covered but open on the sides), including Mahonia wood and a big jar of rusty iron spikes and chains for mordant.
Mission accomplished! Two beautiful rejuvenations! They’re both gorgeous but my favourite is the cover with the eel grass. Nicely-done! pp
I’m really happy with the way these two covers turned out! And am planning a small project with some ground cochineal. Onward and upward!