Raise your virtual hand if you were a bit surprised by the snowfall over the weekend. Lots of things were cancelled here on the East Coast but the pumpkins got carved and some cloth was dyed.
Turmeric took the dye beautifully. It is a fugitive dye so I may lay it out in the sun with some stones on it. The idea is that the stones will act as a resist to the turmeric-colored cloth. We'll see.
I was quite happy with the eco prints (top photo). These were done on mordanted cloth and I want to try them with untreated cloth. Can you imagine a science class or nature center class making eco prints? Or you in your kitchen with (or without) your kids or grandkids? Oh my! Fingers crossed :)
Diana, these are fabulous! You're so brave. I want to be like you!
Posted by: Joy Manoleros | 10/31/2011 at 08:33 AM
Wow incredible colours!! Love the Eco dye leaf it is incredibly beautiful. Hope the snow is melting as I type!! Happy Monday!
Posted by: Victoria K | 10/31/2011 at 10:33 AM
Hi, I'm wondering about the steps you used to do the leaves. I've been playing around with some techniques for "leaf staining" I used muslin and pounded the leaves with a hammer with limited success. I think the muslin worked better if I washed it first to remove the sizing. I, also, tried tissue paper and freezer paper. I had the best results with a fresh fern leaf. Leaves that had turned color seemed a little too dry. Any tips you would care to share would be appreciated. I agree, kids would love it.....just watch the fingers, I whacked myself pretty good! But it was still fun!
Posted by: Jan LaFollette | 10/31/2011 at 11:20 AM
AWESOME colour Diana! Sorry to hear you got dumped on.....
Posted by: Dale Anne Potter | 10/31/2011 at 12:18 PM
Those are beautiful! I need to try some of the eco dyeing. So wonderful! No dyeing with the snow? That is the only reason I look forward to the snow.
Posted by: Lisa | 10/31/2011 at 01:31 PM
its fun to watch you have fun! keep on dyeing!
Posted by: lyle baxter | 10/31/2011 at 08:27 PM
Thanks for your comment, Victoria. I was pretty excited about the eco leaf prints, I really hope that I can share a non-mordanted process with you all soon! Snow still here, all the little trick or treaters had boots on :(
Posted by: Diana Trout | 10/31/2011 at 09:42 PM
Hi Jan, Ive been reading Eco Colour by India Flint. The leaves are sandwiched between layers of scoured, mordanted cloth, rolled and steamed. Not pounded. Check the library, they may have a copy of the book.
Ill blog some more about the process shortly
Posted by: Diana Trout | 10/31/2011 at 09:47 PM
Hah! Fun is best in the first person :)
Posted by: Diana Trout | 10/31/2011 at 10:29 PM
Obsession leaves little room for any lack of courage, Joy :) Thanks for the comment. I cant wait to get back to it
Posted by: Diana Trout | 11/02/2011 at 04:51 PM
I shouldnt complain, Dale Ann. Its all gone now, though alot of folks are still without power
Posted by: Diana Trout | 11/02/2011 at 04:53 PM
dyeing with snow? Really? whats that about?
Posted by: Diana Trout | 11/02/2011 at 04:54 PM