I just love this Blogland! There are lots of new and creative things that you can discover. I have been dyeing for a few years now. If I include the first time I started dyeing yarn using eucalyptus leaves in 1995, that is almost 20 years of dyeing! I really enjoy stitching with my dyed fabric, but I wish I had more colourful fabric to add to my stash. While cruising Blogland last week I came across India Flint's new book stuff, steep + store . The front cover is splash with colourful dyed fabric. It was self-published by the author at Blurb so you can have a sneak peek at some pages before you buy!
I love what I saw so I put an order in right away. When I came to payment I realized that I can get a second copy with a 20% discount. I always need books for gifts so I didn't only get one copy, but two!
My books haven't arrived, but I can't wait that long to start. NO, of course not. In the weekend I wrapped, rolled, stuffed and steamed using the bottling or canning method.
I only did two jars just to see how they would turn out. In one jar I wrapped red cabbage inside a piece of vintage silk and stuffed the bundle and more red cabbage leaves in the jar, then filled it with water, vinegar and a piece of copper pipe.
In the second jar I used black berries, mulberries, strawberry leaves and shredded onion skins. I added more onion skins in the jar and filled it with water and a rusty cap.
I steamed them for 1.5 hours, then left the jars to cool in the pot. I left them to cool and opened them the next day. I could see how well the silk took to the dyes. The piece on the left was from a second jar with onion skins. The piece on the right was from the first jar with red cabbage, vinegar and copper solution.
The books arrived this morning. I read it right through. I found that I've skipped a couple of steps, but the results I got weren't too bad. Now I have some colourful fabric to add to my stash. What I like about dyeing in a jar is that I can actually dye in my kitchen. It's really a great way for dyers who live in small dwellings or apartments.
Lucky find:
This cute muffin tin found me at the antique mall. If you are like me and have lots of knicks and knacks, you would love to have something to display them in. I have been looking for one of these for ages, but didn't want to pay the earth for it.
Until next time
Nat
Great colours Nat. I read about this jar dyeing on Grace's blog (Windthread) and then a few days later I had a handful of dead headed coreopsis so popped them in a jar with some rain water and a piece of silk. no vinegar or steaming, I just left it in the sun. Not as beautifully bright as yours but some good colour....such fun! yes, the internet is great for learning all manner of things.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at one what you can dye with, who would have thought red cabbage could give such a colour. Both pieces are great. Love your muffin tin find.
ReplyDeleteOne of the dyers at spinning got great greens as well recently from eucalyptus. Must be the time of year.
ReplyDeleteyour jars are great.
unpatience waiting here...
ReplyDeletebeautiful results!
Very creative Nat! I never considered dying in jars before, but it makes perfect sense. You always come up with the most interesting things to dye with. And LOVE that muffin tin.
ReplyDeleteI might have to try that, even though I don't do fabric things! It just looks like too much fun to see what you could have happen! These are incredibly beautiful. I wonder -- do the dyes set, can they be washed? Curious!
ReplyDeletelove your little muffin tin. it is so unusual. you always get great dye results. i've put dyeing on the back burner. there just isn't enough time to do it all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Your pieces look fabulous and I know you will have even more fun now that you have the book.
ReplyDeleteYour muffin tin is perfect. I'm so glad that you found one.
I did not know you could dye in jars. WOW. Just shows you can always learn something new everyday.
ReplyDeleteOoo... Such a visually delightful post, Nat! I've seen/read such good things about that book! I will get to dyeing one of these days! That canning method intrigues, as I think I could manage that space-wise, etc. Lovely dye results... *swoon*... That old muffin tin is sweet! I'd like a 6-cup one for in my sewing space--prettier way to notions to hand. ;o) Happy Days ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI have read about this method of dyeing and they called it "fabric pickling" which is cute. You have great results.
ReplyDeleteHello Nat,
ReplyDeleteThis lot of fabric is stunning, good enough to eat! Now tell me Nat, when you put the items in the jar, I am presuming you put the jar in a saucepan of water??? Enjoy the book.
Happy days.
Bev.
I just got that book, too, but haven't had a chance to go through it yet. I didn't notice the special on a second book. :(
ReplyDeleteI do like the jar idea though and your results are lovely. You've been dyeing a long time, Nat, you're a pioneer woman! xoxo
Looks like a good book for you Nat...and great knick-knack find!
ReplyDelete