I was so excited when my March copy of Threads arrived. I have had dyes in the stuido for a year, and the article by Kayla Kennington was just what I needed to pull them out. I did not want to play with a whole piece of silk duponi, so I cut it into strips 8 1/2″ wide by 54″ long. I ended with 5 strips this gave me the opportunity to try a few of the techniques Kayla described. Although one of my favorites is the center piece which was done on the Amanda Jane Pleater then dyed.
After I had dyed the 5 strips I ironed them, and pulled out the serger, not having lots of luck with serging silk, I tried a new (to me)way. I used a 3 thread rolled edge, with Wooley nylon in the needle and 2 Wooley nylons in the upper looper, and reg. thread in the lower looper. It covered the edge beutifully. I wish I havd used a embroidery rayon in the lower looper for some added sheen. Next time.
After all the edges were serged I joined them with a small zig zag. I cut some of the strips so I would have a uneven edge at the botom of the top.
One of the things I would do different is to wear a rain coat and rubber gloves. Dying is messy, but lots of fun. Thank you Threads and Kayla I had such a good time.
I really like your jacket and the pastel colors.
What color was your fabric originally? I've been experimenting with fiber reactive dye from Dharma. What type of dye did you use?
Hi, Sophroni.........so new to dyeing,,,,,,,,,,I used a diponi ( from joanns, not the best but) it worked, and as for the dye it was a kit (sampler 6 colors) I picked up at a quilt show, made by Pro Chemical and Dye. Hope you post your project, thanks
Your prints are beautiful. And the best part is they are unique to you. I also was intrigued with the article in the March issue. My mother is an artist and I let her know the next time we get together she is going to help me make my own dyed fabric. She can't wait. I have dupioni I could use but I hopt to get some great silk charmeuse to make a
dress when done. Thanks for the tips I can use all I can get.
I will look forward to your creation from the fabrics.