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Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt

Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt

Creating with Brenda Gael Smith

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Shibori Serendipity

8 May 2008 Filed Under: Technique:Dyeing, Twelve by Twelve 7 Comments

In my continuing quest for water, here are today’s efforts:
Ocean Shibori 2 Ocean Shibori 3 Ocean Shibori 4
Although the colours are not very saturated, these are my two favourite pieces. Finding a quilting design that complements, rather than competes with, the shibori may be a challenge.
Ocean Shibori Ocean Shibori 5

These pieces are destined to be backs:
Back 1 Back 2 Back 3 Back 4
In answer to Jody’s question, I followed these steps in making these pieces:

  • Soak the fabric in soda ash solution. Squeeze to remove excess solution.
  • Wrap the damp fabric around a PVC pipe or soda bottle – it will cling.
  • Scrunch/slide the fabric down to the bottom of the pipe or bottle, using string to clamp it from time to time.
  • Put dye solutions into bottles – I used a “green” drimarene dye and a “midnight blue” procion dye.
  • Drizzle the dyes over the wrapped fabrics.
  • Leave to batch for a few hours.
  • Unwrap, rinse, dry & iron.

The results will vary depending upon the density of the scrunching; the amount and strength of the dye solutions; and the extent to which the fabric “wicks” up the colour. Shibori serendipity!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenny Loveder says

    8 May 2008 at 8:02 PM

    I have a large piece of poly-pipe just waiting for me to make ‘water-like’ fabric in the shibori method. Thank you for the suggestions of dripping colour on the squished up fabric, not forgetting the string!

    Reply
  2. sion says

    8 May 2008 at 11:08 PM

    lovely, Brenda.

    Reply
  3. Maria Peagler says

    9 May 2008 at 7:10 AM

    Brenda –

    These fabrics are stunning! And I’m sure they look even better in person. I don’t dye fabric – just not enough time in the day – but your results make me wish I did!

    Reply
  4. Annette Sibson says

    9 May 2008 at 8:53 AM

    Hi Brenda, thankyou, I have been reading a few articles that have mentioned ‘shibori’ dyeing and wondering what they meant. You have answered the question and given instructions. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m having a go too.. Thankyou..
    Annette Sibson in Townsville.

    Reply
  5. Jody says

    9 May 2008 at 11:33 AM

    Thank you! I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  6. Judy says

    9 May 2008 at 2:46 PM

    Brenda,

    Lovely result second time -can see all sorts of water moods there, but agree your two favourites are super.

    Judy.

    Reply
  7. Diane says

    19 May 2008 at 3:49 AM

    Brenda, I’ve been thinking of your shibori experiments and with our weather suddenly getting quite a bit warmer I’ve been itching to get out to the patio to give it a try. Your second batch turned out quite well, I think. You are good inspiration for me!

    Reply

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