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| Rainbow dyed Habotai |
While at Arrowmont in 2005, I took an intense
week-long Shibori dyeing workshop. At that time,
I was painting, sandblasting and building stained glass windows.
Dyeing and fiber weren't on my radar at all. In fact,
I distinctly recall standing in the work room wondering
what the heck I was doing there! (Don't worry, I figured it out.)
week-long Shibori dyeing workshop. At that time,
I was painting, sandblasting and building stained glass windows.
Dyeing and fiber weren't on my radar at all. In fact,
I distinctly recall standing in the work room wondering
what the heck I was doing there! (Don't worry, I figured it out.)
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| Mokume shibori on shantung |
Continuing to dye for a few more years, I reached a point
where I no longer wanted to tread the path of synthetic
commercial dyes. I learned about the company Earth Hues
and discovered the world of green dyeing.
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| Arashi shibori on habotai |
What has me walking down memory lane & pulling out my fabrics?
This past week my dear friend Marjorie gave me a gift:
by India Flint (what a power house!)
It's just like Marjorie to know exactly what to give.
The book brings together my love of dyeing, my interest in
dye traditions the world over, and my penchant for
constructing things, especially garments and quilts.
dye traditions the world over, and my penchant for
constructing things, especially garments and quilts.
That "green" and "sustainable" are the cornerstones
of India Flint's work is the icing on the cake.
For the next two mornings I soaked up every page
of Eco Colour. Feeling re-energized about green dyeing
and the potential, I knew that as soon as the snow melts
I'd need an outdoor dye lab and all that goes with it,
from a dyer's garden to a fire pit.
and the potential, I knew that as soon as the snow melts
I'd need an outdoor dye lab and all that goes with it,
from a dyer's garden to a fire pit.
Kantha cloth, color, patterns, & textures - they all feel like home.
They speak to me as much as Alabama Chanin's work, as much as
silk garments from the 1500-1800's, as much as any
beautifully crafted garment.
*Sensory overload*
silk garments from the 1500-1800's, as much as any
beautifully crafted garment.
*Sensory overload*
So, rather than sewing bags, toys or quilts for the shop today,
I'm taking a delightful detour researching & drawing,
plotting & planning my summer time "green" endeavor.
What fabric confections will I create?
How will I fashion my outdoor dye lab?
I'm taking a delightful detour researching & drawing,
plotting & planning my summer time "green" endeavor.
What fabric confections will I create?
How will I fashion my outdoor dye lab?
What seeds should I order?
Where to hunt for iron and aluminum pots?
When the snow melts, I can hunt on the ground for
fallen branches and decaying leaves.
I don't know how this sounds to you, but to me it's all very exciting.
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| My dear friend Marjorie |
Thank you Marjorie for setting in motion
what will surely be a lovely "green" summer!
If you're a green dyer or have a dyer's garden,
I'd love any tips, advice or experiences you can offer.
