Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Away Too Long

Despite declaring just last week that I'm putting aside
all studio projects in order to meet an important 
mid-August deadline, this shirt -
this much loved, well-worn, (stained) white shirt - 
kept begging for a new lease on life.
Unable to ignore it any longer, 
out came a dye pot and a bag of yellow onion skins.
 I pre-mordanted the white shirt in tannin, 
and followed that with an alum soak.
The next day, the onion skins were simmered for an hour 
and then steeped for an hour.
Aiming for a mottled effect, I laid bands of onion skins 
directly onto the shirt hoping they would deposit 
concentrated doses of color where ever they made contact
with the shirt.
 Then, I carefully rolled it all up.
 Loosely tied with organic jersey strings, this is the bundle 
as it first entered the dye pot.
Mid-way through the 24 hour soak, I removed the strings  
and opened out the shirt allowing for full contact 
with the dye bath
Cross your fingers that the skins on the interior of the shirt 
had enough time to deposit concentrated color
 Rinsed and hung to dry, the shirt looks great.
A soft, mottled effect is visible, 
the overall color is rich, 
and I couldn't be happier!

This is the first natural dyeing I've done 
since last summer, and clearly I've been away too long.
After the mid-August deadline is met, I have a feeling that
the dye pots will once again be put to use.
Perhaps Indigo?
Now that's an exciting thought. :)




3 comments:

  1. When I saw your first photo, I thought "Oh my God! She's crossed over to the dark side and she's eating bacon!"

    I should have known better! What a clever way to bring new life to a well worn and loved item!

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    Replies
    1. Can you hear me laughing?!! Those onion skins do look a bit like crispy fried bacon, don't they? If I ever do cross over, you'll be first to know. ;)

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