Wednesday, October 27, 2010

WOYWW 73:Dyeing in my basement studio

Are you getting tired of me saying I made it around to everyone's desks last week? I've said it 11 weeks in a row, but I suspect I won't be visiting everyone this week. In fact, I'll be lucky to make it to Julia's Stamping Ground, where she keeps the links to this insanely time consuming, but totally enjoyable, weekly get together.

On Saturday, I did something really crazy and threw my back out of place. Not to belabor the point, I am having muscle spasms and my left leg goes numb when I stand or sit. As long as I am walking, I am fine, but even lying in bed has taken its toll. It is now time to take some Ibuprofen and hopefully knock myself out for a few hours. In fact, I am barely getting this in on time, since it took me so long to get this post together. If you are new to my blog, click the photos to get the full picture.

But I know you came to see my desk, not hear whining that I've done two days in a row. So tonight (but for many of you it's Wednesday morning already) found me in my basement studio, dyeing, but thankfully not dying!

Bleubeard knew I didn't feel well, so came to keep me company. You can barely see him in the photo.


On the left is what started as a plain white sheet and a piece of cheesecloth I dyed in teal colored Rit powdered dye. On the right is more cheesecloth I dyed using instant coffee. For this, I used two coffee packs. In the middle is a protective glove I forgot to put on. I used the low immersion method, which means I used very little water to about 1/2 package of dye, then


heated the covered, but not sealed, concoction for two minutes in the microwave.

I made two batches of each. For the second batch, I over-dyed a turquoise striped sheet with teal (on left), and coffee (on right). I show a piece of the original for color comparison. And the rocking horse this week used to live in my kitchen, but now it lives on a shelf in my basement studio. Have a great WOYWW and a lovely rest of the week, dear friends.

Today's blog is Brenda, another WOYWWer. Her blog, Butlers Abroad is always fun to visit. Born in England, Brenda and her husband now live in Michigan in the US. They love their British cars and lots of outdoor activities, too. When not working in the automotive industry, Brenda makes cards, photographs her surroundings, gardens, and is now knitting a scarf for her husband. It's always fun to see how much progress she makes each week on that scarf! So, visit the "rust belt" today and enjoy Brenda's fun, and often quirky blog.

78 thoughtful remarks:

Sandy said...

Wow this is a gorgeous idea.
Lovely cat on your header. Awesome.

Candace said...

microwaves for crafting! Way too high tech for me lol. Leave me with simple paper & glue and I'm as happy as Larry


Enjoy your day and thanks for sharing

Candace
#8

Chrissie said...

Hope your back improves very soon... I totally sympathise!
Love this week's rocking horse, and I have to say that cats do seem to know when you need a little company don't they!
Chrissie

Suzanne B aka brookfies said...

Sorry to hear about the back...am able to emphasise with you...difficult but try to keep moving .....
The rocking horse "rocks" by the way.....
Suzanne #13

Mandi said...

Oh Im so sorry to read about your back Elizabeth, I do hope it eases real soon
Lovely to see Bleubeard, they do have a sense when we aren't at our best eh!
Well done on making it to everyone....:)
You take it easy
Hugs and Happy WOYWW
mandi xx
ps DO NOT overdo it and you will get better faster!!

Kym's Crafty Cards said...

Elizabeth, sorry to hear about your back. I only know too well how much it can hurt and be such a nuisance. I was wondering what a microwave was doing in a craft space and now I know why!!! Nice to see the part of Bluebeard that we did. Best wishes, Kym xxx (WOYWW No 24)

Sunshine Girl said...

Oooh this looks like its going to be another interesting project! Hope you are feeling better soon and thanks for sharing (no. 26)

Helen said...

Hope your back gets better soon. I was wondering what the microwave was for!! You always have such interesting things going on, love that you will try anything. Have a great day (walking around?!)

TinaB said...

What a great idea! Have a great WOYWW Hugs Tina (37)xxx

cheryl said...

oh hun poor you can totally understand how you feel hun as I have had a bad week this week too and yep your pets always know when we are not well,totally brilliant,idea on here again hun,always love seeing what you have in store for us each week take it easy and try and rest up love hugs cheryl x
(32)

JoZart Designs said...

Hello Elizabeth! I am so sorry about your poor back and feel it for you. Can't you have some osteopathy treatment or see a chiropractor to ease the pain?
I'd forgotten until I saw your post, about dyeing in the microwave... thanks for the reminder! It does look funny though to see the Daisy Sourcream pot in there!
BTW it looks like a grey cat tail hanging from the box to the right near Bleubeard.... is he hiding a friend or making his own crafted cat!?!
Healing hugs to get well soon,
Love JoZarty x

Nicks said...

oh how I yearn for a basement!
Hope your back is better very soon - thats miserable

Julia Dunnit said...

Ow your back Elizabeth...if it's travelling down your leg I'm gonna say it's the sciatic nerve - had me trapped for 5 days last Easter, took prescribed pain killers to get me moving again, for it's mobility that's the key - as you say, lying down is aggers. I still have a dead foot and a problem with standing for too long - don't leave it too long to seek help dear gal, any doctor will tell you that you aren't meant to suffer.
The dyeing looks good, presumably the microwave part of the process is the setting of the colour? Can't wait to see what you've got ins store for the fabric - especially the ticking. Take it easy.x

Zue said...

Hope you are feeling better soon...Ibuprofen will help alot. You have made me realise I have not done dying for ages...perhaps it is time now to get on with some.
Thanks for reminding me. I love the stripey cloth, by the way.

Have as good a week as you can.
Sue xx 56

Kate said...

Seeing you dying fabric takes me back to primary school ...think thats the one and only time i have tried it. lol. I like the teal colour :0)
Kate x
PS hope your feeling better soon.xx

Tuire Flemming said...

Great to see your dyings. I dye fabrics, too, and have also used tea and coffee for that. Usually I use reactive-colours. I have also used microwave owen for colouring experiments - and broken one...

Hope you get your back better soon!

Phree said...

Sorry to hear about your back, hope it gets better soon. Thanks for the snoop around, it's always interesting to see what you get up to.

airing cupboard crafts said...

Sorry to hear of your back xx I can't wait to see what you do with all your fabric I am in awe xx

Laura (63)

Michelle said...

Sorry to hear about your back... :-( you have my sympathy having suffered with back pain for a number of years.. hope you manage to feel better soon! You're very lucky to have a basement, I'm jealous and your dyed fabric looks wonderful!
thanks for sharing and hope you feel better soon. Have a great week
hugs
Michelle (35) funnily enough my age as well as my number this week.. :-)
xx

Neet said...

Sending healing thoughts and much love to you. Hope you are soon feeling better and the Ibuprofen works - see the doctor soon if it doesn't get any better.
Can't believe I was not one of your followers before now - love seeing your blog and Bluebeard (obviously).
Off for a WOYWW snoop at all of your blog.

Cardmaking Galore said...

Hope you feel better soon!

akilli melek said...

Hope your back gets better quickly. It's no fun when that goes. Take good care of it this week. love the colours that you chose for dyes. caroline #14

voodoo vixen said...

Oweee Elizabeth... sending cyber hugs (gentle ones) in the hope your back soon feels better. I think you should pop along to the quack and get it sorted, can't be much fun not being able to sleep or craft!
Oh and I had help with the bears... it was written in both English and French on the box!! :)

Diane said...

Ouch Elizabeth!! Take care of yourself--#1 priority!

Jules said...

Hope you feel better soon, bless Bleubeard for knowing you aren't well and keeping you company - isn't it funny how they always know? #65

Caro said...

Thanks for the insight into the world of dyeing! I just love Bleubeard...he is adorable. I really hope your back gets better soon. Take care and take it easy.

Darla said...

I've been wanting to dye something for ages but haven't attempted it. Your great method looks like it might be do-able for me.

Feel better soon.

Darla

Healing Woman said...

Good idea on putting the dyed cheesecloth in the micro. Never thought of that. Did you throw your back out moving furniture? That is usually what gets me. Hope you are on the mend. I love that Bluebeard.

Susanne said...

Dyeing sounds like messy fun. Thanks for giving us a peek. S #84

Sarah said...

Wow - some seriuos science and dyeing there - hope you don't blow up! Sorry about your back - use the rest to think creative thoughts!
sasa 28

Anonymous said...

Hello Lovey! I'm very, very honoured to be your blog of the day today, glad you like my little ramblings. I haven't WOYWWed about the scarf this week, maybe next! Don't tell anyone but I'm still on the first ball of wool!!

Please go along and get your back seen too, do you know a good chiropractor? I swear by mine, I was born with an almost straight spine and have had back trouble for many years so I really sympathize with you. The trouble with not getting it seen to is that you change your whole posture to compensate for the pain and you'll end up with a lot more pain and muscle tension in other areas because of this. Hope it eases soon.

Hugs
Brenda 89

Anonymous said...

Sorry about your back, but I love the protective glove you forgot to put on. I do that kind of thing all the time, so it's nice to know others do it too! What colour are your hands?

Unknown said...

Sending you gentle get well soon hugs ... poor you ... glad Bluebeard is keeping you company though X

Caterina Giglio said...

hoping you are feeling much better soon, and doing a lot of dyeing too! love the colors! xo

Darcy Marshall said...

oh I feel for you and your back pain, my back has been bad since February, hope yours eases up soon.x

Lothian Crafts said...

Hope your back feels better soon. I love the idea of dyeing with coffee though I rather like to drink it...lol
Elaine no39

Maggie said...

I'm sorry you hurt your back...I've had that too, and I know it's not only painful but puts a serious crimp in your mobility! Hope it's better soon!

Love your dyed fabrics! The coffee is a great idea!

Bleubeard is very sweet to keep his eye on you! Cats always know when we are hurting.

Kim Dellow said...

Oooo fabby idea! Great works space! Kim #82

~*~Patty S said...

Love that teal E! You make me think maybe I do need a microwave afterall ;)
I clicked on your blog and saw "dyeing" and had to run to the sink ... forgot I had a pink napkin in some bleach tied with a rubberband LOL
Take care of yourself Lady!
oxo

Carola Bartz said...

Oh dear, I hope that back improves fast and you will feel better soon. You must be in such pain.
The dyeing looks fantastic - you always do these fun things. I love that. #107

Bluefairy4U said...

Hi sorry you have put your back out, its really nerve ending stuff. Put a wheatbag in the micro and put it on your back it helps with the muscles. Lots of health shops do them. Love your rocking horse again. The teal colour is fab and also the dyeing. Keep well and warm. Big hugs JO.xxx~88

Terry said...

Sorry to hear about your back. I hope you feel better soon - or get some good muscle relaxers! You make dyeing look so easy. I'm itching to do it now....

Terry #4

Hels Sheridan said...

Aw poor you - you have my every sympathy cos my back is out at the moment too... and... my AlfieCat is just like Bleubeard... they instinctively know when we need a cuddle don't they.. clever puddy's... hope you get better soon hun... hugs Hels #83

Elizabeth said...

Sorry to hear about your back, it sounds toooo painful, but I'm sure Bleubeard's sympathy will help the healing process. Elizabeth #51

dandelion dreamer said...

Oh dear...how awful to have put your back out...keep popping the pills! Dyeingfabric is one of my favourite playtimes...have fun with it!

Terri Kahrs said...

Just a quick stop to see that you've been busy in spite of your pain. Oh, Elizabeth, please take care. It's amazing how animals can sense when we're not well. I'm so glad that Bleubeard keeps such good company. Hugs, Terri xoxox

Twiglet said...

I do hope your back improves rapidly. I have used the microwave to dye silk - it works well. I tried it on wool felt and it certainly dyed but made the kitchen smell like a wet sheep!!!

Linby said...

I hope your back gets better soon-I can totally sympathise. The dying looks interesting especially involving the microwave-I'll just stick to stamps LOL!
Linby x 109

Sherry said...

Oh Elizabeth, your back sounds so very painful. I hope it gets better very soon and in the meantime the medication helps. It's funny how cats seem to know when you're not well or upset - I miss our two cats.

The teal dye has worked wonderfully on the striped fabric. Looks like you had a proper little production line going on there in your basement.

Best wishes to you as ever x

Sherry (115)

Ciara said...

You never fail to surprise me with your craft techniques!

Thanks for visiting my blog. You think I have a lot of blue ribbon? Elizabeth, that's just the LIGHT blue ribbons - there's a jar full of dark blue ones too!

You asked about my stickers. Well, I do sell my cards so wanted to put something on the back. Over the years it's gone from me writing 'Handmade by Ciara', to getting a self inking stamp make to now getting sticker printed. I have a little website where I sell stuff but mostly it's friends & colleagues that buy my cards & jewellery. So now you know!

Hope you feel better soon, back pain sucks

Ciara
xx

Lynn said...

Hi Elizabeth,
I actually dropped by to see YOU today, not your desk. I am really liking what you did with the dye on the sheets.
I am sorry you put your back out, I have been there before, many times, and it sounds like you have sciatica which can last weeks, and is very painful, but I hope not.
I don't know how you visit all the blogs you do, you always leave such meaningful comments too, I've seen them and you everywhere LOL, take it easy, hope to return soon.
Lynn

Halle said...

Hope your back is feeling better...ice and ibuprofen. Mine is slowly mending.
I have yet to try the low immersion dye technique but plan to someday...

Dotty Jo said...

Best use of a micowave I've ever seen - much more interesting than food! Jo x #112

Lizzie J said...

If you didn't use the glove what colour are your hands now! Looks like an interesting process. Does the coffee dyed fabric retain the coffee smell for long? Hope you feel better soon.
Lizzie #139

Anne said...

Get better soon Elizabeth .
Great ideas --- now wish I'd kept my old microwave !!
Great projects
Anne xxx
Cuddles Bluebeard !!

donnalouiserodgers said...

ooh you know Bob Dog sits right by me whenever I am down or ill - I do love my animals- hope the back settles - if it is back spasms you need to get some 2mg tablets of diazepam for the spams (sweet typo heaven- I mean spasms)



Dx

NoraAnne said...

Oh I so hope your back is feeling better soon. thanks for sharing your dyeing projects today!

KanataNewf said...

hopefully next week will find you feeling better! Thanks for sharing this week! Sheena #99

Gaby Bee said...

I'm sorry to hear about your back, Elizabeth. Hope you are feeling better very soon!
You never cease to surprise me with your craft techniques...you always do such fun things:)
Thanks for sharing! Gaby xoxox

Sarah said...

Hope your back is feeling better soon.
I love seeing what you have been up to each week because it is so far removed from my own crafting comfort zone

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the peek...I love nosing around, great workspace....Thanks for sharing, hope your back gets better soon, I have my DH home with the same prob
x
Vicky

Unknown said...

Looks like you were having fun dyeing and thank goodness not *dying*! BTW, sorry you're not feeling well.....

Lou Mac said...

Sorry to hear about your back! :(

Gosh, how I would love your basement space. What a fab idea, I would never have thought of coffee!!

Hope you feel better soon!

Lou Mac. xo #135

Alix said...

oooooooooogh, owwwwwwwwww, arrrggggggghhhhhh....hope the pain eases soon hon!
alix #74

Angie said...

Sorry you are having back problems ...I commiserate with you .... if there is a weakness it is so easy to keep having problems as I know only too well....thank god for Ibroprofen ...I add 1 parasetamal to each dose when things are bad. Take care xx

Shirley Pumpkin said...

I am sorry to hear that you are hurt.. be good to yourself and get better.. I think its funny how cats always know when we are hurting.. Love your blog.. and as always thank you for all the really sweet comments..

Hugs
Shirley Pumpkin #41

Carrie said...

Now this is an interesting work desk, very different to the others I have popped past so far...."dyeing in the basement" certainly caught my attention and I loved reading how you have achieved the different colours. I hope you feel better soon and it was nice to meet Bleubeard.
Thank you so much for letting me have a peek at your workdesk this week.
Love
Carrie
xxx

lisa said...

Sorry to hear about your back, Elizabeth. How terrible not to be able to be comfy in bed, the best place in the world. I hope you feel better really soon.
So much going on in your photos, it looks like a chemistry lab!
Hugs Lisa (90)

peggy aplSEEDS said...

so sorry to hear that you have hurt your back! i'm sending you healing thoughts and prayers and i hope you will be back to full health as soon as possible. but it seems even that can't keep you away from all the creativity going on in your desk! thanks for the very useful tip about using the microwave for dyeing. and of course, i will take you up on your offer to get me started on my altered book. thank you, Elizabeth!

voodoo vixen said...

Just checking back to see how you are... hope the back and leg are behaving nicer for you today? Hugs Annette

Sue from Oregon said...

oh so sorry to hear you are not feeling too well! Hope you are healing quickly girl! Take it easy!

karen said...

I hope your back feels better soon!
I love the Rocking Horse! Beautiful!

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

Hope you are feeling a lot better by the time you are reading this.

Take care....A.xx(80)

Marfi-topia said...

hi elizabeth..
Feel better soon!

Create With Joy said...

Oh Elizabeth, I am SO sorry to hear that YOU are now in pain! I sure hope you are feeling better by the time you read this and that your recovery is faster than mine!

As always, your WOYWWs are WOW. Take it easy this weekend and love on Bleubeard for me!

Love from me and the feline crew
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

voodoo vixen said...

Oh dear, no new posts, I was hoping you were feeling a bit better but obviously not. Thinking of you and hoping you are up and about again very soon!
hugs
Annette - Pandora and TomTom send healing purrs...

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, so sorry to hear about your back, and hopefully it will be better soon as that can be terribly frustrating. I am glad Bleubeard is able to keep you company and lift your spirits. Thanks so much for posting your tutorial, I am always amazed at your creations. Sorry I am late this week.
~Shari #130

Tina said...

I adore dyeingmy own piece of whatever. Looks like you are having fun - oh and what a clean space you have...thanks for visiting my blog and leaving me a sweet comment.

xo
tina