The flour sack fabric has been Ink-dyed using Tsukineko Inks, rinsed and heat set. I am pleased with the results so far:
Next, my plan is to apply some Shiva Paintstik rubbings to these fabric pieces for texture. I’ve been reviewing my Paintstik Inspirations with Laura Murray DVD today–it is a FANTASTIC resource.
Stay tuned to see how my Claire Handbag progresses.
The just released Claire Handbag pattern from Lazy Girl Designs arrived earlier this week.
I am SEW excited to make my new girl, but I was facing the ‘what fabrics should I use’ dilemma. Oh I have plenty of wonderful fabrics in my stash, just not enough of the right ones that want to play nice together AND–more importantly–ones that suit my fancy today.
What’s a crazy fiber art and fabric loving girl to do? Well, I could buy more fabric but then I’d just have to wait longer to get started. I’ve scheduled some “creativity for me” time for tomorrow and I can’t put that to waste. SO, I selected the one fabric that spoke loudest to me–great. NOW what. Well, I’ll just make my own coordinating fabrics, of course. How am I going to do that? I don’t have any fabric dying supplies. Hmmmm….think, think, think. Oh I have just the ticket: Tsukineko Inks.
Several weeks ago I purchased several pieces of flour sack cloth. I didn’t know what I was going to do with it at the time, I just knew I needed to buy it. I’m glad I did. This seems like the perfect opportunity to play with inks and things to develop my own special fabric. I selected inks that closely coordinated with colors in the butterflies.
I poured approximately 1/2 of each bottle into its own gallon size freezer bag. I lightly but thoroughly dampened the flour sack cloth (which had already been pre-washed and dried). I carefully placed one piece of flour sack cloth in each freezer bag. I carefully let out all the excess air from the bag and sealed the top then proceeded to work the ink through the cloth. I am allowing the cloth and inks to sit in the bags for a full 24 hours. I periodically squish, squash and turn the cloth. Tomorrow I will air dry outside then heat set with pressing cloth and hot iron. To be sure the color is set, I will do a thorough rinse until the water is clear.
I already know I’ll want to add some textural design on the inked fabrics once they’ve dried and the color has been set. Tomorrow I am planning to apply some Shiva Paintstik using rubbing plates.
Yes, that sounds pretty good… and then maybe I’ll add some _________.
Stay tuned to see my Claire progress.
