If you can't find me on my blog I will either be at work or over the dye pot, seriously! Eco-dyeing is the way to spend your creativity in more ways than one. I walk, work and sleep thinking about it. If I have bundles to be open I would handle them, stroke them and when I can't stand it any longer I open them. Open one, two, three and before I could stop myself I opened them all in one go!
I have acquired more dyeing techniques from the workshop at Naturally Dyed. I also discovered more eucalyptus trees that grow right in my campus. When I take a daily walk now I bring a tote-bag along and gradually filling it up by the time I get back to my office. My supervisor told me one day that I should clean out my bag, the plants are starting to grow from it! He was right! Lots of samples to show you here, so enjoy...!
Some bundles after being stewed in purple carrot dyedbath. I'm still not sure if I like the stewing method or steaming method of eco-dyeing! It's good to have that choice though.
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The results from three pieces of silk stewed in purple carrot dyed bath. The middle piece was wrapped over a copper spoon. The dark patches caused by rusty nails.
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I threw in a ball of pearl cotton. The left one was from eucalyptus dyed bath and the right one dyed in purple carrot dyed bath. Perfect colours to use on eco-dyed cloths.
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Do you recognise these leaves? They are rose leaves. Rose leaves are perfect for dyeing. I mordanted the silk with alum and wrapped the leaves very tightly. Great results. I am happy with it, yeah!
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Stitches over eucalyptus leaf. This cloth is a scarf I made for one of my friends who has not yet taken up eco-dyeing.
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Another leaf on the same cloth in the above photo. I have been enjoying the stitching process this last week. Forgot to mention, I used the eco-dyed threads for stitching.
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another leaf in the same cloth. Not sure what the leaf is!
And here is the actual cloth that I'm making it into scarf. I didn't stitch over every leaf. I thought I would leave some without stitching to enjoy the imprints.
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Eco-dyeing on a cotton blouse. Eucalyptus leaves with rusty nails and wrapped over metal rod. A good result I think!
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Silk with purple carrot and some eucalyptus leaves. This one was stewed in eucalyptus dyed bath.
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The whole piece of silk with rose leaves. Did you notice the burn mark in the middle? It is caused by too much steaming for too long!
This last piece was dyed with juvenile eucalyptus leaves and flowers. This is only a small section of it. I'm really happy with this piece. I already have more leaves for my next batch. I have ran out of silk for dyeing. Another trip to Ziguzagu is calling.
Talking about everything Japanese. It is only 8 weeks before the Japanese Textile Study Tour is taking place. I will be posting photos on Facebook (it's public so you don't have to have Facebook account to view them) during the tour and I will blog about it after I get back.
Enjoy
Nat
28 comments:
Amazing Nat...YOU GO GIRL!!!
I can see why you just love doing this , these fabrics are just beautiful.
I Love the leaves , wow! the embroidery you did on the scarf just amazing!
love the last piece....oh my can't you see that as a little quilt with all your beautiful stitching on those leaves....
Kathie
8 weeks to go you must be getting so excited! I am excited for you.
Wow Nat! I had no idea that purple carrots would dye! I think I may get hooked after I get my embroidery assignment done. I also like that you used round eucalyptus. it gives it a cuter look. You are really a motivated woman. By the way, I got Mira's quilt quilted and she will be taking it to college with her!
Your dye work gets better and better. I didn't think that was possible! The added stitching is just wonderful, too!
you are achieving magnificent results. all so inspiring. i am searching out purple carrot seeds to plant in my garden this spring. love the stitching you are doing to enhance the leaves. thanks for sharing all your work.
I LOVE your work, Nat!!! Especially with the combination of stitching. Dying is not my thing, but I really enjoy to see the results.
Have fun!!!
your work is just so fantastic Nat and love the stitching. Must find some purple carrots. I know what you mean about thinking eco-dyeing awake, at work and asleep..l am the same!HaxxMy poor patient husband!xxhappy dyeing my friend and enjoy your tour......images, lots of them pleasexxxlynda
One of a kind pure beauty.
Needless to say I love your work Nat.
Happy Sewing
This is such an inspiring post Nat, I love how you are developing your eco-dyeing and having an element of control and design in your projects, it is all wonderful. I cannot hope to have such success but I am looking forward to eco dyeing in Japan with you. Yeah, only eight weeks to go!!
Hi Nat. I just love what you have done with the dying. Just beautiful.
Fantastic results, Nat! I am sure the seed companies are going to be scratching their heads when purple carrot seed fly off the shelves! Glorious colors!
Hi marvelous results. The last photo is my favorite for strength of color and clarity. Stitching into the leaf shapes with your own dyed thread is so you.
Thanks for lovely photos.
Fantastic!! see you soon.
Nat your dyeing has come up a treat!!! I love using those purple carrots...what a gorgeous colour you can achieve and also shapes.
Your eucalyptus dyeing is amazing. That orange is so strong. Mine didnt come out nearly as strong as that from the juvenile leaves...maybe I needed to steam it a bit longer. I have mine out on the line still, but will press them later and see if the heat brings out more colour?
Not long now until your trip...lucky you!
Jacky xox
What beautiful pieces you have created with your dyes. I love the natural leaves and the colors you got- especially from the purple carrots.
Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your trip- sounds like you are going to have a great time.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna
these are amazing!
WoW. Nat. of COURSE you are eating sleeping walking dying. I can tell. It is completely beautiful. All of it. And each one so different from the last. Woo hoo.
fabulous results, this is really becoming your passion.
A friend sent me a link to your blog. Beautiful work!
woohoo, you're dancing with bundles!
8 weeks? only 8 weeks? I must start packing!
Nat, a fabulous post. You are very inspiring, my friend. The scarf is beautiful and I love your new blouse, too! Do the purple carrots have orange flesh with purple skin? Are they from your garden and are they called Purple Dragon Carrots? Lots of questions, I know, sorry! ;-) You may have to do a whole post on growing purple carrots!! Exciting the trip is only 8 weeks away, I've "liked" the facebook page already and will be tagging along in cyberspace. xo
Hello Nat,
I love reading your posts, other blogs show of material made by so and so and you have the most divine fabric dyed by you and your garden. Tell me please how long do you leave the thread in the carrot water,any details greatly appreciated.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
Wow - So many beautiful results! You are reminding me that I have been ignoring the plan to try some eco-dying. Must get some alum. Not sure where one gets alum! I especially love your stitching. :-)
I just read your tour brochure - it sounds quite wonderful. Really well-planned. Wish I could be part of it. :-)
Absolutely fantastic Nat!!!
So exciting and so much potential...fun :D
dont often see purple carrots over here............but will keep my eyes open now especially! great results nat, tx for sharing
Nat, Im in love with the third image from the top-The dye result in the image with the cotton on top. How did you get the variation of colour with the pinks, blues, creams and greens? Did you use only the purple carrots?
Thanks so much Nat!
Hayley
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