the colour of summer

mystery and magic

aizome – indigo dyeing

the 30 gallon vat was getting tired

so – I spent hours emptying it into a bucket and watering the garden

then left the sludge in the bottom to dry in the sun – it goes to the chemical recycle

scrub the vat – a garbage can –  with a stiff brush – wear a mask, heavy gloves and protect all exposed skin

start the new vat

I got carried away in my enthusiasm – it’s a bit strong but that will correct itself

after the winter rest here are some points to remember

– scour fibres

– wet all fibres thoroughly before dyeing,  important with shibori

– keep both yarn and fabric moving in the vat

– work carefully – avoid introducing oxygen

– skeins of yarn need to be tied loosely and frequently – so they don’t get tangled with multiple dips

it is really nasty if they are impossible to wind into balls after all that work

– after the first couple dips loosely separate the strands in a skein so the oxygen can reach each strand

– the colour when wet is 2-3 shades darker than when dry

very old damask linen

first seen here

yesterday I had time to dip everything 5 times

with a plan to do several more dips today

from left;

2 skeins of bleached linen singles

handspun 2 ply hemp

 a single hemp yarn, approximately 2 lbs.on the cone in natural

Maiwa’s new symposium calendar has arrived

I’m trying not to drool on the pages

in a perfect world!! – but – I’ve narrowed down my choices

registration starts Monday, June 23rd at 10pm- I’m suppose to be at a meeting, yikes!

getting the workshop one wants is not a guarantee – popular ones fill up FAST

it will be my summer holiday this year.