My sister and I had a great time attending a recent scarf dying class. Taught by my good friend, Jo-Ann Jensen, she provided me with plain silk, knowing that I’d want to use it in quilts. Of course!
She first taught us how to do a tie-dye sort of thing. She calls her geodes. Well, I just didn’t have enough patience for all those rubber bands! Plus, I didn’t choose my colors very wisely. This is what I got, about 12 x 12.
It’s not pretty enough to use as is, but certain parts can be cut and used very effectively.
Next, I tried to paint something that might work as a sky.
I think it will work. Again, I’ll use localized slivers.
Finally, I did a long folded piece using just two colors. The designs I got are really pretty, but I think it will need some over dying to add color to all that white.
This was a ton of fun! If you ever get a chance to take a class with Jo-Ann, I strongly recommend it!
Now thinking about how I might use these fabrics together. Hmm.
Ellen Lindner
P.S. You might also enjoy this post on ice dying.