Am learning a new thing.
Currently exploring tie dye!
And OMG it is SO addictive…
Like textile alchemy!
Why shouldn’t curtains be as beautiful, colourful and as interesting as the clothes we wear?
I’m on a mission now to step things up a notch…
So, lots of different dyes, mordants and techniques have been researched. Have done my best to try to choose solutions that have a minimum impact on the environment. The main issue is when recycling fabric, most aren’t labelled so with no fabric spec to refer to each one is a risk.
BEFORE…
White and cream curtains don’t sell well online so I’ve been collecting them together over winter ready to give them a make-over!
…AFTER
I’ve got a fab book on dyeing/batik by Nancy Belfer (see left image).
You Tube vids, blogs and websites (especially this one by Sarah Maker) have been useful resources when figuring out soda ash dilutions and how to create patterns.
A variety of random recycled objects have been gathered for use…I quickly found that sharpish edges rip fabric in the wash even though they look OK before putting in the machine…
Noticed my Royal Mail Sorting Office had elastic bands all over their car park….another recycling opportunity!
After chatting to duty staff I cleaned up the car park and salvaged loads! They are, washed and ready for use on the next tie batch.
Am currently using Dylon Dye pods in the washing machine and you can see projects unfold on INSTA.
Some curtains are simply dyed if they have potential for an interesting effect. Plain fabric is tie dyed.
I’ve plans to have a go at other types of dyeing in due course…and plan to try some other brands too.