Dyeing cotton, linen and silk

From time to time I am asked about dyeing fabric. For those enquiring minds, here's what I have to say on the subject. There are many excellent books on the market that cover dyeing, over-dyeing and dye-painting. You may want to pick one up for more detailed recipes, colour formulas and a comprehensive look at working with dyes. This is the method that I use and it has been working for me for a number of years whether I am dyeing cotton, silk or linen. Right! This recipe works perfectly well on linen as well as silk, that includes the lightest of handkerchief linens to silk noil and silk's boundless other constructions. In fact, I prefer the Procion MX to the Procion H which many people use on silk, because the MX doesn't require a steam process. A note on silk Dupioni and some other silks, there is a slight change in hand and some of the lustre is lost in the process. You may want to do a small sample test run first, or perhaps not! Have fun!

For each ½ metre or yard, you will need:

Pre-washed fabric cut into 1/2 metre pieces
3 teaspoons of Procion MX dyes (less for lighter colour)
2 tablespoons of soda ash (sodium carbonate) Note: this is not baking soda
1 tablespoon of common salt (non-iodized)
Hot water
1.5 litre container (about a 3 pint ice cream or yogurt container)
1.5 litre baggie (optional)
Synthrapol
Rubber gloves

Pre-wash the fabric to remove any dirt, sizing or oils. Wash in hot water with 1 tsp. of Synthrapol and rinse well.

Generally speaking I use about 3 teaspoons of dye powder to ¾ litre of liquid. You can increase or decrease dye powder according to the colour value that you are looking for.

Measure the dye powder into the container. Add a small amount of hot tap water to dissolve, and then fill to about half full with more hot water. Add soda ash and stir until dissolved. Add salt and make sure it dissolves. Add wet fabric, making sure that it is totally saturated. You can leave in the container, or transfer it to a baggie for it to cure. Check it from time to time to make sure it is still submerged. Remove from the dye solution after a minimum of 3 hours. If it is turquoise or contains turquoise, I recommend leaving it overnight. This used dye stuff cannot be re-used. Rinse in cold water until it runs clear.

Didn’t wear gloves? Try some Reduran hand cleaner!

Stay tuned next time for painting with dyes!

This is a rare glimpse of madam de Plumadour, a wealthy widow conducting interviews of potential suitors. She exchanges niceties with Mr. Jim Dandy before getting on with the task of grilling him. He appears somewhat cocky and is certain not to chicken out as did Mr. Al Fredo who is seen departing, looking dejected and dishevelled. Mr. Al Fredo cannot believe his ill fortune as he leaves the unsuccessful interview only to discover that the gifts she had bestowed upon him were but a simple rouse and were nothing but rocks masquerading as gems. Methinks he knows not his own fortune!!

This piece was beaded onto natural linen and backed with fusible interfacing. The background was coloured at the midpoint of the process using a combination of dyes and paints. It measures about 40 x 55 cm

learning to lino cut

So here are my first three efforts! A quirky bird, a disconnected elephant and then I went big on flowers! all three are printed on hand dyed cotton fabric. So much fun and all my fingers are still intact! This was a great online course with Dijanne Cevaal! http://www.origidij.blogspot.com/

Silas

So here's Silas, just arrived from abroad! He's attired in hand dyed cottons, silk velvet and a few jacquards for good measure. He's wearing wonderful paisley boots, that he just had to have! He adores beads, so they abound..................

over-dyeing silk noil

I am over the moon with this piece and here are 3 views of it. I have a couple of metres of nasty dusty rose silk noil. I knew I'd never use it, so what the heck! The dyes are out and mixed, so I may as well use them. I can't go wrong; the fabric is useless as it is! I love how the nubs of the noil pick up the colour. Now that I see how well it worked, maybe I'll dye up the rest of the yardage!

hand dyed linen

Here's number 3!

This is the second piece and just as yummy!

This piece is using diluted dyes

This is the first piece of my little experiment.It's a shame that I am such a lousy photographer because the colours are just spectacular!

So, does anyone see a figure in this piece? So far there has been a sighting of a cat. Someone else has seen a fish! Anyone else seeing something?

silk fusion

Here's a couple of silk fusion flowers. They're mounted on silk velvet and modestly beaded.

more organizing

I have many bits and bobs of assorted techniques. I've decided to organize and consolidate. Here is a combination of Tyvek, hand embroidery, beading, silk fusion and cord making.

getting organized

Here is Mother Earth enjoying the fruits of her labours. I had started her sometime ago as a pin doll, but things weren't working out........

This piece includes water soluble work, shisha beading, ribbon work, a bit of netting from some limes and lots of my faves................ beads!
Oh, and nearly forgot I used some of that wonderous magic shrinking fabric seen in the foreground!

Subversive Stitches

I must be living right! Dawn Goldsmith has invited me to write a guest blog. Her blog is amazing! so much information, great pics and endless inspiration! Please check it out..... http://www.subversivestitch.blogspot.com/

little landscapes

Both of these were done with transfer paints. I added some thread work and a couple of beads. One by machine, the other by hand.......

They are the first in a series of little landscapes that I'll be teaching at Sew Sisters Quilt Shop in Toronto www.sew-sisters.com

Dapper Dan.....

Here's the first installment! This guy is beaded onto linen and is about 13" . The beading frenzy continues! while he seeks out some hot chick! That Bead Lady's ears must be burning!! www.thatbeadlady.com