Shibori experiments

I am trying to perfect my dyeing techniques so have decided to experiment with methods of creating pattern using buttons:

Printing with Natural Dyes: Using a logwood paste

I have been experimenting with the idea of painting or printing my natural dye pigments onto fabrics so have made up a 'paint' solution using logwood extract, gum tragacanth and water. Here are the photos of the logwood paint just after it has been printed:

These images below show the final dyed fabric once the paint has been washed out. They create a subtle yet beautiful effect of the indigo dyed cotton drill but are bolder on the silk fabrics:

indigo cotton drill

cochineal silk

walnut silk

close up of walnut shibori and logwood print on silk

Using red cabbage dyed clothing to test for acid rain.

I thought I would share with you this amazing project that has been undertaken by textile designer Dahea Sun. She has experimented with the pH value of red cabbage dye and applied it clothing so that it can be used as an indicator for acid rain. Below is an image taken from her website which demonstrates her investigations. Please follow the link to her website to check it out for yourself...it is a beautiful example of the contemporary use of natural dyes to aid science!

http://www.sundahea.com/rain%20palette.html

The Arimatsu-Shibori Movie

Fabulous video demonstrating traditional shibori techniques- great for my research as I am currently putting all my energy into developing my dyeing techniques! Love it!

The Sketchbook Project 2013

 

How exciting....my sketchbook arrived today! Really looking forward to getting stuck in and becoming a part of the Sketchbook Project!

http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

Dandelion Seed Photos

I love how elegant these little seed heads are. They look as though they are about to jump and skip off into the wind at any second.........very magical!

Eco printing

Whilst researching mordants I have come across this fascinating blog that demonstrates the results of alot eco printing experiments which are really beautiful! There is also some information about using soy milk as a mordant....very interesting!!!

http://tondro.com/labels/dyeing.html