June 9, 2014

Dyed and Stitch Update

Sometimes I'm stuck to find the right name for the title of a blog post. I think 'dyed and stitch' will do for this post.

I finished another little block for the simplicity of a little thing series I have been working on. It's quite addictive; once one is finished you just want to start the next one straight away. I try to keep the piece roughly 6-8" in size for easy handling when stitching.

Some vintage Japanese fabric pieces were
used with eco-dyed fabric in this block

Another block pieced with stitching started.
Variety of fabric were used for this block.


I started another batch of jar dyeing during the week using some leaves I collected on my daily walk. Winter is finally here, so dyeing has to be done indoors. Jar dyeing is easily done in the kitchen. 


Opened the jars on Sunday. Jar dyeing is quite a fast process and I didn't have to wait that long for the result. Even the strings dyed beautifully in the jars. 

First jar opened. Promising!

Then each jar was opened and hung out to be
admired

The next day washed and hanged out to dry

Pressed and  now ready to be used. Happy!!!!!

An update on current projects: The first one is an online workshop Alchemy 2014 that I'm taking with Karen Kuane. The project I'm planning to do in this workshop is to make a journal cover. I started by making simple little white blocks and going on to work on the blue blocks. I'm almost done with the preparation work on these blocks. Next step is to put them together and make them into a journal cover.  


I just completed the latest block. I took a photo and used Palette Builder that I came across at Play Crafts to get a unique colour palette for the block. This is such a great way to help bring out colour for your work.


Lastly, the update on my Tree House Studio. The work didn't begin last week as planned due to a delay in obtaining the building permit. We have since got it, but unfortunately last weekend was a long weekend so the building will now start tomorrow (Tuesday). In the meantime the heavy steel beams and columns have arrived and are waiting on the lawn. 

Until next time
Nat


14 comments:

Lis Harwood said...

I'm also dyeing today, with rose petals. I don't know how successful it will be but it's fun! Have you written a tutorial for jar dyeing? I'd love to give it a go.

deanna7trees said...

i just love your little stitched blocks. it's such a great idea and nice working small. i can imagine how excited you are about your studio.

Needled Mom said...

The dyed pieces are stunning, Nat. Those are great results.

I also love the little stitchings. Those will make into something really beautiful.

Good luck with the studio work!

Debbie said...

I love the colours you have achieved with your dyeing, is this using India's method I haven't tried it yet.

Ginny Huber said...

Good luck with the studio building project! I enjoy looking at your blog posts Nat as you know.. So many lovely and inspiring things that you are doing; Great colors and stitches to brighten up the winter as it approaches!!

Jeannie said...

I love your simplicity block and your project in Karen's class is wonderful. The fabrics!!! Oh my! They are beautiful!!! I still can't wrap my head around eco-dyeing. I would get beige and faint leaf prints. Nothing to write home about. I will probably give it another go this year. Yes, I can be stubborn. LOL! I am so excited for you! I know too well the hassle of permits, inspections, supplies delayed. We had to alter our patio design to include earthquake specs. We have tiny earthquakes here (2-3) and unlike the west side of the state, never have had anything big in over 100 years. We did what they asked, but sometimes rules seem so silly. :) Have fun and post some updates on the studio!!!!! xoxo

Yvette said...

really in love with it all!
i so much hope to fin the tree with the pine needles but no succes yet
even the florist has no answer
i love yor stitchimn
realle

neki desu said...

glorious dyed fabric and beautiful little stitched blocks

Nifty Quilts said...

Oh my goodness! You're making some really exquisite things here. Loving your dyed fabrics and your stitch enhancements. Congratulations on your soon-to-be new studio!!!

Terry said...

The small stitch works are full of interest and glorious stichery.
The studio will be wonderful.

Anonymous said...

oh such beauty spilling out of your jars! I really like the top small quilt -- the pairing of blue and orange makes for some real vibrancy.

Els said...

Ohhhh you jar dyeing in fa-bu-lous Nat !
Ha, those little stitched pieces, so lovely, and yes, soooo addictive ;-)
Happy winter solstice in a few days time !

Tracy said...

Hi, Nat! So lovely to catch up with you after our travels! :o) We go back a few days ago after a wonderful time with family and days out & about. Wonderful goings-on there... the dyes are gorgeous!! And I lately discovered Palette Builder too--brilliant little thing! And very exciting with you studio--can't wait to see more as this goes. :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Your dyeing always looks so good Nat...lioving the colours of the string....just beautiful!

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