I've wanted to try indigo dyeing for months now I finally went for it this weekend. Such fun, I tell you.
I ordered this kit on Amazon and read tons of tutorials and tips all over the internet on how to work with indigo. I found this, and this posts to be especially helpful, and I even started a new Pinterest board.
I used PFD (prepared for dyeing) Kona cotton from my Joann store for dyeing, but I read that pretty much any natural fabric (cotton, linen, silk) should work as long as it's washed and dried in advance.
I did a few different ways of folding and tying the fabric. After doing my first batch of fabric I very quickly realized I liked panels with lots of white still showing, so my second batch of fabric was folded and tied a lot tighter than the first one.
These are the panels from my first batch. And yes, I did finish dyeing them in almost pitch black darkness as I simply couldn't wait till the next day :).
These are the second batch panels. I'm really glad that prepared indigo dye can be stored for up to five
days so I'm still planning on one more dyeing session, maybe working
with some t-shirts next time.
My 10 year old son was my very helpful assistant and he absolutely loved the whole process, especially the part where green color turned blue after being exposed to oxygen in the air. He also did a lot of experimenting with double, triple, and even quadruple dipping some of the fabric :).
Now just to think up some fun projects to sew these lovelies into.
Thanks for reading, friends. Svetlana
What lovely indigo fabric you have made.
ReplyDeleteI can understand that it was fun to do.
Dollandesign
Terrific! Can't wait to see what you do with it. And congrats to your son for joining in the fun :)
ReplyDeleteI did a week long course on indigo dyeing a while back. Like your son I was fascinated by the process and the colours. We were lucky to be taught various traditional Japanese, Indian, and African techniques by the wonderful teacher who ran the course, and our fabrics came out so well.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts on dyeing fabric and how your patterns finally end up - thanks for sharing all the info :)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I always love reading about your fabric printing, so cool to see you branching out even more! Can't wait to see what you do with these lovely fabrics. :)
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteProject scope says large, time spent says small. I can't wait to see the outcome!
ReplyDeleteFun! Isn't it fun to experiment?
ReplyDeleteGosh, you are so creative :*
ReplyDeleteI love your batics !!
a great success my granddaughter is wanting to tye dye a tea shirt for uni so looking into it now
ReplyDeleteThis was such an amazing read. I always find something interesting in your blogs and at artisna.com as well. That is a wonderful place to buy Artisan Handicraft goods online. Anyway, thanks so much and congrats on your articles!!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I love the variety of different folding/tying techniques you used. I've been wanting to try indigo dyeing for a long time - and nice to see that it worked as an activity to do with your son!
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