Last Saturday I opened all the dye bundles I did earlier and I got some surprising results to share with you. Some Instagram friends keep asking me if I would share a dyeing tutorial on my blog. I told them, I don't really write tutorials because I'm too busy working in my day job. I dye for myself because I love it, but I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about plants, method etc. So leave me a comment and I will be happy to answer you.
The first two bundles I did over a week ago. I had some eucalyptus leaves leftover from before Christmas. I didn't want to waste any of them knowing that they would give me 100% result! Lately I don't just use one kind of leaves. I like mixing several dye materials in the same bundle. The trouble is, sometimes I forget what I put in the bundles! I also get carried away with the dyeing and don't stop to photograph what I do.
I wrapped up two bundles using eucalyptus leaves for the main dye source. I sprinkled grated purple carrot in one bundle. The second bundle I used walnut leaves, round eucalyptus leaves and the rest of grated purple carrot. I steamed the bundles for one hour and left them to cool overnight. The next day I dropped both bundles in a walnut bath that I boiled in a copper pot. I left the bundles soaking for 1 week.
The top bundle contains walnut leaves, grated purple carrot and round eucalyptus leaves. The second bundle has only grated purple carrot and iron bark eucalyptus leaves. The results are in the third photo. I called the pair Liberty and William Morris.
The next bundle I dyed using the Christmas bouquet including poinsettia, kangaroo paw and other leaves. I steamed it for two hours and left this bundle in an oak bath for two weeks. The poinsettia leaves left very good leaf imprints, but the red flowers only left purple and blue marks. I quite like the combinations of the imprints on this piece.
More pieces from the bundles including a silk scarf and a plain piece from the walnut bath.
In one of the bundle I dyed a cotton tank-dress. It's fun to dye something wearable sometimes. I wore it to work on Monday and got lot of compliments from my colleagues.
I did some hand quilting on this little quilt. I started just before Christmas, but couldn't get it finished. I hanged it in our en-suite. The quilt sits perfectly well on the red wall.
Does anyone have a favourite corner or shelf that you place anything you can't find spot for. My spot is on this hutch in the dinning room. The Japanese vintage blue and white plate is the new addition to the spot. I picked it up at our local op-shop last weekend. Every now and again I pick up something interesting at op-shops.
New Year has got off to a good start. We have planned our holidays for later in the year. Work is getting busier with the new semester starting soon. There is a nice routine about going at work which I'm very happy about. Having a day job is a blessing. I love going to work and spend a different life enjoying my workplace. Hope you are all enjoying whatever you are doing, and keep well.
Until next time
Nat
15 comments:
an't believe all this goodness. too difficult to choose one
Splendid Nat !!!!
(still have some thoughts about
soaking or steaming ...??? do
you do both ?)
Nat, what you create is so out of my realm of experience that I am simply in awe. These are gorgeous in every single way. I look forward to seeing more using the fabrics.
And I love your shelf with its pretty things -- isn't it nice to have a spot for anything?!
Your dying is always so beautiful. Love the dress :)
Those results are really amazing. The colors are just stunning. How do you make your oak bath? The dress came out so well too. I can see why you got compliments on it. It's nice to have something that is already constructed too.
I love the little mini on those red walls. So pretty!
fabulous dyed pieces and i love your cotton tank.
Fabulous colours, I wish I could achieve these sort of results. Love the tank top.
I love how your tank dress turned out! And, your cloth!!! Oh my goodness, just stunning results. I sometimes feel like the whole house is a curio cabinet, especially when I have to dust. :) I do have an old tiered shelf that belonged to my Great Gram that I use for a catch all until a spot can be found. It is probably the most eclectic spot in the house. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
lovely work! i have been itching to dye but, we are in the middle of a snow storm and bitter cold. Love snow, very pretty. Thinking thoughts of Spring and gardening and dyeing!
Your fabrics are beautiful, you've mastered the art.
Do you pre mordant your fabrics?
The Christmas dying is lovely. Who knew pointsetta would give color. The little quilt looks as if it's part of the wall Perfect.
The dress is an inventive up scaling. Looks good.
So gorgeous, Nat! You've got the magic touch, I tell ya. I love visiting you here. And on Instagram! xo
Your bundles are magnificent as always! So love to see the before and after pix.
Love that dyeing Nat...especially the purple colour! Your red quilt is perfect for that wall...And yes I put things on my hutch too LOL!
really enjoyed your work, I hope you continue developing it.
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