Monday, May 18, 2015

weekend blues

What a beautiful weekend it was! The only blues were in my dye bucket. Indigo is one of the oldest dyes used in history for textiles and printing. It was high time I gave it a try. I used a very simple method as a test to see if it was something worth pursuing. Oh yes! This kit from Dharma Trading Co. was so accessible and fun… as a bonus the dye vat lasts for a while.  So- I got more rope! 
 The relationship indigo has with oxygen was the most fascinating part… the dye bath is actually green.
 It's only after it the rope/fabric tastes the air that it begins transforming to blue. It gets oxidized!
 Watch what happened with this cotton fabric over 10 minutes… so cool!
 Rope was my main ingredient. Cotton clothesline for spiral sewing of beautiful, blue bowls and baskets for summer. One dip gave me a very dark rich shade….
  But upon rinsing- it transformed to something softer and deliciously peaceful. And after drying… it has taken on its own shade of sky blue that can be seen in my instagram shots over in the right side column.
 Something so silly and satisfying about draping the clothesline over my clothesline to dry!
 Can't wait to share my upcoming indigo adventures with some double dipping for darker shades and, of course, the meeting with my sewing machine!



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3 comments:

  1. Oh my Maya! You have no idea how much I wish I'd been there this past weekend. What fun! Can't wait to see what you create with that indigo inspiration.
    Love Kellen

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    Replies
    1. Kellen- we would have had so much fun together! Anytime you want to come for a creative weekend with me, my arms are open. I miss you!

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  2. I'd really like to try indigo dying. I can't wait to see the baskets/bowls you create out of that rope. Blue is my favorite color!

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