Just Cant Stop This - More Eco Dyeing Experiments

rust, leaves, washer, flower petals

Ever searching for the elusive bright orange print
but learning lots along the way and I am about to have a variety of euca from  more sources so who knows - I now understand clearly (and it makes sense) that lots depend not only on the species but location, time of year, even individual trees.  In the meantime, I am immensely enjoying the journey. 

I know some who object to India Flint claiming her right for introducing euca prints but let me tell you as an author, no one, and I mean no one has done more extensive research, experimenting and compiling experience in such rich comprehensive books.  To me she is a marvel and I appreciate reading both of her books and making new discoveries based on her knowledge.  

Don't get me wrong, but there are others along the way that have contributed to my excitement and passion as well through their own work and generosity regarding methods and resources. 

euca leaves euca bath

I am so grateful for the time to just play with these ideas and one day perhaps I will open a bundle and find that bright orange.  This has become almost a daily ritual and given me new eyes always alert for something to bundle and each time, I learn more.  

I am not good at keeping a notebook - yet; but I have promised myself to do just that.  Only I don't much like cutting up my prints so perhaps the way to get around that is to include just a small piece of the same each time I bundle just for my book.

different variety of euca leaves - love, love the patterning

more euca leaves

Eco Printing

 The piece below is my favorite fabric - cotton and silk - it has a substantial but soft hand and takes the print and color so beautifully! 

I've become totally obsessed with eco printing/dyeing.  I have learned a lot from my experience these past few weeks - there is no better learning than doing.  Last week, I used onion skins, red cabbage, leaves and copper pipes.  Here are some of the results:

 I used many varieties of fabric - all silk/wool or with some silk content as that is my fabric of choice and the results are quite varied.  I used chiffon, gauze, habotai, etamine, silk mix of something that I picked up at the bazaar in Amsterdam for a song - shiny on one side and it was so inexpensive that I couldn't quite believe that it was silk - but it dyed so beautifully with maple leaves.  

I'm in awe of nature and the color she produces.  I've looked everywhere for a source of eucalyptus and put out a desperate call to FB friends and alas, a kind friend is sending me some and  I have ordered more varieties since I want to make some of those lovely reddish prints; I have learned that in order to achieve that, lots depend on many conditions - variety, time of year and other factors.  I can't wait to experiment further.

VIP - OUR NEW ADORABLE BLESSING!

On Tuesday, November 19, our newest grandson, Victor Ian Pirtle was born a week early.  VIP: how is that for an important monogram! Praise God that everyone is healthy and happy; we really have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and every day.  Mom and baby are coming home tomorrow, so we can't wait to see him in his own cozy home surrounded by those who love and adore him.  Ian was named after our son and Jennifer's brother, Ian, and he couldn't be named after anyone with a better character; we are so proud of him and he is so flattered :-)