Resist Method Dyeing Felt Yardage

[fistfulofcake]

Hello! 

I'm a handweaver and am stepping outside of my typical comfort zone: I'm curious if anybody has experience using resist methods on commercially made felt yardage? I have some 3mm natural felt that I'll be dyeing and want a resist surface design. I've been looking into clay, but I'm worried about the penetration. Edit: I just found an article that says clay resist only works with indigo dying (true?) but I'll be using acid dyes.

Typically I do a submersion dye bath with my yarns, but I'm thinking for this I'll need to paint it on and steam as most of the applied resist methods seem likely to wash right off in a hot bath. Any advice here is also welcome!

Thanks!
Melissa

[Ann @ frabjous fabrica]

It occurs to me that microwave dying might be the answer. Though whatever you use as a resist is probably going to melt unless it is the sort of stuff that ends up as permanent, like clay or wax. I shall be interested in what the others think.

[MTRuth]

Hi Melissa,

You can use thickened dye to paint on or to apply in various ways. Then you steam afterwards. I have several online classes that teach these methods but won't have another session until January 2024.

I have also done resist dyeing with metal cut out birds, other metal objects and clamps. These were done in a pot. Here's the post:
feltingandfiberstudio.com/2014/06/17/clamp-dyed-felt/

I hope that helps.

[Ann @ frabjous fabrica]

Now Ruth has said that about clamping, I remember that I have used this method of shibori dying silk scarves by folding the scarves and clamping them with G cramps.  I'm sure that this would work with commercial prefelt since that is usually supple enough to fold and clamp.  In fact you could probably use standard shibori - stitching and winding thread around bits of the felt.  That should work.
You can use this with acid or fibre reactive dyes since it won't matter if the dye bath is hot or cold.

I can recommend having a look at the website of a friend of mine - Annabel Wilson - who does a lot of shibori dying.  Have a look at this link which will show you some of her work.  You'll be able to see the sort of thing you can do with shibori dying.  You can also sign up for her newsletter and get a pdf giving 3 different shibori techniques to start you off.

Do show us your work, we'd all love to see it.

[fistfulofcake]

Sept 8, 2023 15:32:18 GMT MTRuth said:

I have also done resist dyeing with metal cut out birds, other metal objects and clamps. These were done in a pot. 

Oh wow, Ruth! I'm really surprised how sharp the bird shapes are. I'm hoping to get some really precise shapes so this is a great reference. 

The thickness of this 3mm felt makes it difficult to fold or wrap. The G clamps might work. As with most things, I'll have to experiment, but thank you both. This at least points me in a direction. 

[fistfulofcake]

Sept 8, 2023 21:05:09 GMT Ann @ frabjous fabrica said:

Do show us your work, we'd all love to see it.

Ann @ frabjous fabrica Ann, I'm hoping to do a resist design with a linear gradient. I did a swatch test this afternoon and I'm super happy with it. You can see some of my woven work at www.instagram.com/theidlewood/ and I put today's gradient swatch up in my stories!

[Ann @ frabjous fabrica]

iI'm hoping to do a resist design with a linear gradient. I did a swatch test this afternoon and I'm super happy with it. You can see some of my woven work at www.instagram.com/theidlewood/ and I put today's gradient swatch up in my stories!

I had a look at your Instagram and love your woven work.  I'm not conversant with Instagram so haven't found your swatch test.

[Shepherdess]

I have done dying with clamped wood and well just about anything with a flat side. Also if you paint dye on the wood it will transfer during acid dying. I haven't tried it with fiber reactive dye

[fistfulofcake]

Thanks so much Ann!