Sunday, November 23, 2008

Heavy with their drink - drink of color that is.




I've been doing some dying for a banner project. I decided to dye some other fabric while I had the dye pot going. Here's a banner detail on left, and other fabric for the pot on the right.

Here is a basic dyed banner piece . From here I will add other embellishments to fit the subject matter and add some contrast colors.

I either got into a roll or got into an obsessive mode because I am continuing to dye fabric even though the banner part is done (22 banners later). So here are some detailed photos below of the color and textures I have dyed.







This rust colored set was made by wetting fabric in vinegar and laying the cloth to dry on rusted metal.This will take much more experimentation before I get pieces I really like. The piece in the center was laid out on the rusted cutting blades of a defunct paper shredder. Laying the cloth on shaped rusted bits will yield some interesting patterns, but I will wait for warmer weather before doing more. Apparently the weather does not bother the process, but the cold bothers me! This is a job for spring. For now, I'll continue making more pieces inside.

How will I sew the dyed bits together and what will I make with them? I don't know yet! At this point they are hanging on a clothes rack and are feeling 'too precious' to use. If I live with them a little while, I'll get over this feeling and I'll begin sewing them together into something. I'll get back to where I began - back to the old Singer.

9 comments:

Ricë said...

i LOVE the dyed fabric, and the sewing machine is gorgeous, too. congrats on getting it ready to go!

Dayna Collins said...

Ohhh, what fun you've been having! And what a funky, beautiful old sewing machine. Thanks for sharing so much of your projects.

Sarah said...

OOh looks like you have been having a lot of un with these Theresa. Your sewing machine looks amazing!!!

~*~Patty S said...

What an exciting project, your fabrics are gorgeous AND your Singer is a classic beauty, fantastic that you gave it a new lease on life!

R2artstudio said...

All your fabrics are just yummy! And the sewing machine looks like a piece of artwork. I learned to sew on one similar to it, with my grandmother at my side. Wonderful memories. Have fun, with the project.

ArtPropelled said...

I also learned to sew on an old Singer like yours. Your fabrics are gorgeous.....the subtle colour changes and the textures.

Brenda said...

The colors are just beautiful! As well as the texture. Looks like you are having a bit too much fun!

Kim said...

Wow , you've switched gears on me! Can't wait to see what you create w/ your sweet machine!

creativelenna said...

i love what you are doing for your banners, Theresa! i am still thinking . . . . . your dyeing looks awesome! lenna