It took me a while, but I finally got around to dyeing. Dye with a Y. Easy to see what I mean in print, but my poor Dad wasn't so sure when I told him I was going to dye. It has been almost 2 months since I took Carol Soderlund's class at ProChem. but other committments and priorities kept me from dyeing. It's not a spur of the moment activity. It takes planning and organization and TIME. But I did it! I made the time. Well, I finally had the time plus I made a committment to a friend I made in class. But committment or not, I've been wanting to do this like forever. Some was play, some was planned and all of it was fun.
I like surprises, so I did a few scrunch and pours. I need fabric to coordinate with my vendor booth in Houston , so I planned those more carefully but still allowed for an element of surprise. I learned a few things and made some discoveries – the true reason anyone creates art, creates color.
I also threw these cute little button ties that bound sets of placemats that I got at Target (on sale even). Not sure what I'll do with them yet, but they are so darn cute.
Wait! I just thought of something…
This piece begs for some gold foiling and perhaps delicious text inside the boxes.
I particularly liked the results I got on Hoffman's PFD Radiance cotton/silk blend. It just glows. The reverse (cotton side) is much darker and looks totally different. A perfect example of the way the dyes react on different fabrics. The best of both worlds. I also dyed some silk organza, cotton gauze, cotton sheeting and ….. clothespins. Yes, clothespins, for my booth in Houston.
So there you go – a sneak preview of my color scheme for my booth. They are also the colors of my new website which is just days away from going live. I'm just dying for you to see it!
  
   
  
   
   
 
Lesley: I’ve spray painted clothespins, but never thought of dyeing them. Thanks for the nudge in the right direction. Maybe I can have a basket full in Easter egg colors. Looking forward to seeing you and your Houston booth.
Beautiful Leslie! But please be careful with those clothespins – they can transfer dye to whatever you’re using them on. (Ask me how I know!) You might consider giving them a quick coat of an acrylic finish or something similar, especially on the “pinchy parts” that touch the hanging object.
Your fabrics are wonderful. I would like to get some results like that. And the blue clothespins are a hoot. With pins like that it would be fun to hang wash on the line.
I love how your fabrics turned out! Dyeing is good for the soul!
I have been blog hopping – around the world – and have found you – and spent a wonderful hour reading all your posts.
You have inspired me to start playing with fabrics. I haven’t sewed, made a quilt, or done anything exciting like that – but you are never to old to try something new are you?
So I am off to buy some TAP from a site in the UK I have found – and will be returning to ‘see’ you very often.
I can see that I will need to save up to buy your books too.
Thank you – for opening a whole new world to me.
My very best wishes
Lottie
Hello
I am new blogger who is old (late bloomer artist.
Your site is very inspirational.
Hopefully this blog will start a connection to many more inspirations.
I agree with you about Radiance fabric, Lesley. I adore it, and love the fact that the dye strikes the cotton and silk differently, giving you the equivalent of two fabrics in one! Congratulations on the beautiful results. I look forward to seeing you in Houston!
Leslie Tucker Jenison
Wonderful results!!
I’ve been meaning to dye all summer…the only thing I’ve managed so far is to rust
Your dyeing has met your usual high standards. Beautiful!
Dyeing is addictive, I can’t seem to stop. You’re getting awesome results, great post!
I’ll be at the show in Houston… I’m going to take the Silk Magic class, can’t wait. 😀 Are you teaching something, too?
Lovely colors! I took the beginning dyeing class with Vickie at ProChem a while ago. Well worth the time. These dyes give us a whole new look at creating cloth.
Lovely results of your dyeing. Didn’t know there was a cotton/silk blend. Sounds interesting.
love the bundle of fabric
Beautiful results!
lol – i have a blue clothespin that looks like it came out of the same batch!
gorgeous colors….
your dear dad. bless his heart.
xoxo