I have lots of practice and confidence in creating even and lasting colors but the fun challenge for me with this project was to come up with a seasonal palette of mostly homegrown colors. I worked on the back porch of my studio in the late summer golden light during eclipse season which is a serious mood. The palette that emerged was naturally an encapsulation of these influences. I love how that happened! I’m so happy with the colors and I’m excited to share them with you.
Achieving lasting colors on cellulose fabric requires a five step process consisting of scouring, a tannin bath, an alum bath, a dye bath and finally several rinses and a wash to ensure the colors won’t bleed. This age-old sequence has been practiced for centuries to create beautiful lasting natural dye colors on cellulose fabric. It’s a slow process and there’s no way around it! Each dyed piece is an original artwork.
Each scrap bundle includes 8 naturally dyed colors most of which were grown right here on our farm. Six of the colors are dyed on a 5.4 oz weight organic cotton/hemp blend, and two of the colors are dyed on a 6 oz weight unbleached hemp fabric. These are the fabrics I use to make most of my quilts. If you’re familiar with Essex linen it’s similar in weight and texture.
Everything was cut by hand so the measurements are not exact but each remnant measures approximately 6” x 18” give or take.
I have lots of practice and confidence in creating even and lasting colors but the fun challenge for me with this project was to come up with a seasonal palette of mostly homegrown colors. I worked on the back porch of my studio in the late summer golden light during eclipse season which is a serious mood. The palette that emerged was naturally an encapsulation of these influences. I love how that happened! I’m so happy with the colors and I’m excited to share them with you.
Achieving lasting colors on cellulose fabric requires a five step process consisting of scouring, a tannin bath, an alum bath, a dye bath and finally several rinses and a wash to ensure the colors won’t bleed. This age-old sequence has been practiced for centuries to create beautiful lasting natural dye colors on cellulose fabric. It’s a slow process and there’s no way around it! Each dyed piece is an original artwork.
Each scrap bundle includes 8 naturally dyed colors most of which were grown right here on our farm. Six of the colors are dyed on a 5.4 oz weight organic cotton/hemp blend, and two of the colors are dyed on a 6 oz weight unbleached hemp fabric. These are the fabrics I use to make most of my quilts. If you’re familiar with Essex linen it’s similar in weight and texture.
Everything was cut by hand so the measurements are not exact but each remnant measures approximately 6” x 18” give or take.
