Saturday, November 29, 2014

Eco-dyeing process revealed for the final AEDM post


Some of you may remember I started an eco-dyeing process on Day 9 of Art Every Day Month.

I could no longer control my anticipation.  It was time to open the bundles and see how well the fabric took the process.

In order to open the bundles, I needed disposable gloves and scissors.

I opened the first bundle and met with what I thought was a mess.  I did the following for all three bundles:
1.  Cut string
2.  Opened bundle and photographed in just-opened state
3.  Removed bundle to my compost pile in order to remove remains
4.  At same time, returned rusty element to my rust bucket
5.  Returned inside and photographed piece again before washing and curing

As a reminder, this is what the fabric and materials I used looked like before I steamed and cured it.

Isn't this gorgeous?  Even though the lighting isn't the best, this made me extremely happy.

This was the smallest piece, and the one I forgot to show a "before" photo of when I steamed it.

I have no idea where that pink came from, but I really like it.

Although this length of fabric had the least amount of materials,

I think it is my favorite piece.

Here is the fabric before I wrapped and steamed it.

And here is the fabric before I washed and cured it.  Be still my beating heart.  I am in LOVE!!  You will never find fabric like this anywhere else.  It is simply incredible, even if I say so myself!

I washed the fabric in baking soda water, then a mild soap and water.  Here are the final results.  Note that I lost the lovely pink that was present before I washed and cured these pieces.  Regardless, I am still over the moon with happiness for these three pieces made from strips of a white bed sheet.

When I did a final wash of my fabric, I also washed the string I will now use to tie up some of my sage to turn into smudge wands.

This is the final day, or Day 30 of AEDM and I revealed the eco-dyed fabric I started on Day 9.  I'll be back later to show a wrap-up of the month.

16 thoughtful remarks:

Jo Murray said...

Heavenly fabric. What great success!

Jennifer McLean said...

very cool stuff elizabeth and so creative. SO glad the art I do tomorrow will be IT for a while. I know you feel the same. Bring on the eggnog and chocolate!

johanna said...

what a glorious success! it was well worth waiting, i think. wow!! it IS incredible! and the rusted elements are a good combination to the natural items. super, super cool!!

Neet said...

That is fantastic! No wonder you are so pleased with your results. I simply love the first one - but I do like them all very very much. Oh WOW! Now what are you going to do with the fabric? I can see a lovely cover for one of your Altered Books.
Think I might need to start saving rusty things.
Love to you and a tickle to Bleubeard under his chin.
Hugs and thanks for alerting me to the results
Neet xxxx

froebelsternchen said...

THis is a glorious success Elizabeth ! Congratulations!
Love this ... would make a wonderful curtain or cushion cover for me....

just AWESOME!
Happy Sunday!

Linda Gibbons said...

Oh, my, I have never seen anything like this! what incredible fabric!

Julia Dunnit said...

Wow, what a result! Have to say that the unwrapped photos made me think it was going to be dissappointing, so glad that it wasn't! Now the big thing is...what to do with these pieces?
Bet you have a plan already!,

Nan G said...

What fab results, E! Was thinking omg with the unwrapped Oic but the final washed pic ....wow! They're all great. Some fab book covers to be made with these. Hugs from me and the Girls say Hi today to Bleubeard!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I know it is always a surprise when you unwrap these bundles--but what a happy surprise this time! I cannot wait to start seeing what you do with this fabric. Do you see all the "creatures" on the left piece of fabric (last photo)?

Divers and Sundry said...

I can see why you're so pleased :) I just hate to see the iron pieces give up their lives, even if for such a good cause ;)

Halle said...

LOVE! the rusty one to the left on your porch rail is so yummy!! I think I need to go find my disk brake pads in the shed. :)

Karla B said...

Wow wow wow F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!

Nigel said...

These are wonderful. The question now is, what will you do with them?
I'm sure you'll think of something in time for next year's AEDM :)

voodoo vixen said...

Oh my yes, you have reason to be thrilled with the results, those are wonderful looking with all the colours and shapes, can't wait to see what you do with this as you have loads to play with for quite a while!!

Anonymous said...

loooooove this fabulous

kathyinozarks said...

great results-and I love the added rust