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Post by koffipot on Oct 1, 2015 12:21:08 GMT
"White rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits" ! That should keep things right for the month. Made an early start to the month this morning. Making a rhubarb leaf mordant and using it on some cotton - it has a slightly dirty green look We'll see how it works.
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Post by zed on Oct 1, 2015 13:31:45 GMT
How do you do that, Judith? I've got some rhubarb I need to pull. I usually just leave the leaves to rot because the colours are ace and the wildlife just love them.
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Post by koffipot on Oct 1, 2015 15:11:03 GMT
I just sliced them up, put them in a pan of water brought to the boil, simmered for about an hour, then left them to sit in the liquid overnight. Strain through muslin and it's ready to use. I added a lot more water, then added the thoroughly wetted fabric, simmered for an hour, left to cool then rinsed well. Of course I was stupid as I should have used my knopper galls for the cotton; rhubarb is best for animal fibres. We live and learn. NB Rhubarb leaves contain Oxalic Acid which is toxic, so use gloves and don't inhale the vapours. It's OK once it's been rinsed.
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Post by zed on Oct 1, 2015 16:54:33 GMT
I thought a mordant was the soak or the chemical you use to make a difference with what you use to dye?
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Post by koffipot on Oct 1, 2015 17:14:17 GMT
I thought a mordant was the soak or the chemical you use to make a difference with what you use to dye? It is. A mordant helps the fibres to 'grab' on to the dye and also makes it more light and colourfast. Some mordants leave a pale colour. Plant dyes need a mordant, commercial dyes are more stable.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Oct 1, 2015 21:17:08 GMT
Although I slacked off in September, I made a good start to the daily dose of fiber by taking up weaving. I took an intensive 2-day workshop on SAORI weaving, which I thoroughly enjoyed. My very first weaving attempt: www.flickr.com/gp/109753804@N05/14r509
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Post by MTRuth on Oct 1, 2015 21:34:10 GMT
Nice weaving, Cathy!
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Post by Pandagirl on Oct 1, 2015 22:28:19 GMT
Beautiful Cathy! I love the bits of chunky materials it really gives the piece character.
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Post by lyn on Oct 1, 2015 22:51:04 GMT
I love that weaving - it's so pretty!
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Post by Shepherdess on Oct 2, 2015 1:09:22 GMT
I have heard saori weaving is a lot o fun. Yours turned out very well.
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Post by zed on Oct 2, 2015 10:23:40 GMT
Very nice, Cathy
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Oct 2, 2015 13:14:02 GMT
Thanks, all! I really did enjoy my Saori adventure and stayed with my instructor in Minneapolis for 3 nights. I mostly experimented, as my objective was not to make products but to enjoy the process and learn a new skill.
I also discovered an amazing place called “The Textile Center” in Minneapolis, where my instructor also teaches weaving. They have 75 classes this year--all in textiles! There’s an amazing library of textile books, something for everyone. Some of you may have heard of it, but it’s definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.
BTW, the white (light pink) bits you see in the weaving are small pieces of wool roving. As a felter, I couldn’t resist!
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Post by koffipot on Oct 4, 2015 8:46:45 GMT
Lovely piece Cathy. I love the textures. The Textile Centre sounds like a great find. My daily dose - over 3 days has been more ecoprinting. This one is a monster of a piece and I'll have to get a custom canvas as it's not a standard size - 50" x 18". Here it is auditioning on the wall pinned over another picture. Another ecoprint by Judith Robinson, on Flickr
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Post by lyn on Oct 4, 2015 9:34:00 GMT
Wow - it's amazing Judith (and as it's said - if you're going to have one, have a big one).
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Post by MTRuth on Oct 4, 2015 12:12:39 GMT
Gorgeous! Will it go to the gallery?
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