Even though I am in the midst of this big production crunch, I took some time off this weekend for a dye pot experiment. Since fresh leaves are so scarce now I wanted to try to create a resist print using leaflets from the evergreen nandina shrub (thank you India for the suggestion). For the dye color I mixed hibiscus tea and red onion skins, fully expecting a wine color, or pale maroon. Instead I got the most beautiful dark brown color, especially on the wool fabric (below). I love surprises.
I had mixed results with the resist prints. It worked well on the fabric near the surface, but I realized that I don't know how to get the dye color to penetrate the bundles to create the contrast deeper inside... But that is what I love about this process — there is always something new to learn, and frequently the results are still quite magical. In this case I was amazed by the deep color, and the soft suggestions of the leaves. And those string marks are pretty cool. Happy valentines day everyone. Spread the love...
Pretty cool, indeed - fascinating colour, but why should it go all through...? I like that theres are only shadows in some areas...
ReplyDeletei think you just spread the love. they look good, very good.
ReplyDeletegorgeous.
ReplyDeletei've been trying to really treat my weekends like weekends, but also practicing things i might not otherwise do during crunch time. i get it!
resistance can be a Very Good Thing indeed...
ReplyDeleteso nice to use ready supplies to create this goodness!!
ReplyDeleteThose land colours, and leaves...in a semi transparent way...and lines...great experiments to break a bit with big works.
ReplyDeleteI like them a lot?
These are incredible! Such amazing colours and patterns.
ReplyDeleteGreat color! Did you mordant the fabric first? I've been a bit frustrated lately with pots of linen and cotton- even eucalyptus leaves came out very pale. I gave the fabric a soy milk bath first thinking that might be enough but alas it needed something stronger.
ReplyDeleteI'll just keep experimenting!
Janet
Very interesting results, the colours are really nice. Makes me nostalgic for my uni days and those not long after where I used to potter around and experiment with natural dyes often...I've done a bit in recent years but need to do it a bit more regularly because I love the process.
ReplyDeleteLotta it's wonderful to see how your work with India has been so beautifully incorporated into your own! I love seeing how things are growing and changing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! And beautiful results!
ReplyDeleteyour work is stunning - clean, clear and thoughtful. I love your adventures into ecodyeing. In my experience, once you start, life is NEVER the same again.
ReplyDeleteOnly just spotted these......they're wonderful! I agree that the brown colour works really well, and the lines are beautiful. Nice to find something to dye with out of season!
ReplyDeleteI so love watching you try new techniques...not only is it fascinating to read about what works and what doesn't, but the images you share with the process are always so beautiful. I this case, I love the deep brown you generated with that dye...I wouldn't have expected it but it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIncredible colors Lotta! LOOOOVVVEEEE!!!!
ReplyDeletethe stripes are my favourite too - if you wrap in some ironscrap, maybe covered in a piece of cotton to prevend a strong print of itself i think there will be more dark colours inside
ReplyDeletesuch delitcate + beautiful results - i'm sure the unknown adds to the intrigue + fascination with natural dying. stunning.
ReplyDelete