Sometimes the instructions say “Rinse until clear” or do they? Maybe it’s just rinse…I’m not sure, but I would rinse until clear. Rinse until it isn’t murky, thick or cloudy with color. That’s it - today’s little tidbit (Sakura are calling…).
Rinse until clear
April 2, 2013sample
March 26, 2013
We’ve only just transitioned into spring, but I feel like it will slip away too quickly. I’m anticipating blooms on my Cherry tree – it feels like seconds away before their blossoms open fully. The sun is out after a couple of days of rain, gloom and bone-chilling damp. It’s welcome and cheering.
I’m staying away from the vat for another day – it still feels a bit too cool for that kind of work or play (although, I did just a tiny bit for class prep!). The stitched sample is far enough along to show to the kids and continue to work with it or not when the time comes. It helped that process – how much fabric do I really need for this? And there has to be a little leeway in there somewhere. They’re kids after all and it’s fun and exploration.
Most of the morning thoughts were on the upcoming summer youth classes. I’m still working up supply estimates. I’d hoped to be able to refer to last year’s list, but can’t and am puzzled by what I sent off last year. It definitely wasn’t specific enough (as far as I can tell). Where was my brain? Surely, I can improve on that this year. At any rate, that task is nearly done.
window to spring
March 22, 2013
At the moment I’m waiting for the sun to do its job, warming things up a degree or two. It would help take the edge off.
Yesterday, it didn’t reach 50 and it was just fine. The birds and squirrels were busy in their activity and I even experienced a few insects (at least not the biting kind).
Today should even be more inviting, but there’s an edge this morning. I was at the sink rinsing a few items that had been through the vat yesterday and will need a few more dips today. At least, that’s the goal.
The work may even extend into tomorrow. it depends on today’s results and it’s likely. Nothing like a bit of spring sky though.
another approach
March 18, 2013
Well, it may not look that different, but it’s smaller than the earlier piece (which is still in progress).
A friend suggested a 9 patch and I think that works. Another suggested colored threads (yes, definitely!).
We talked about different approaches to stabilizing the pieces. There are a number of approaches to that. I don’t want to complicate things too much.
It has been a gloomy, chilly day with a little precipitation – a great day for this.
summer prep
March 14, 2013
Actually, it’s been on my mind for some time – and good thing there’s still some for prep. I submitted the process last fall, but when it comes down to the specifics, I still need to plan further. It’s only because I like to change things a bit every year.
So, now it’s time to draw up that supply list for Artspace and I really need to know how much fabric and other supplies I’ll need. So, I’m walking through it – making a sample piece or two. If the kids don’t rise to it, we can make adjustments. I like to see what they can do or want to.
We’ll be together for a week in the afternoons (rising 3rd – 5th grade). I need to post class information on my workshop page – haven’t done so as yet.
At any rate, the kids need to be engaged (at least that’s the goal!) and that’s my challenge.
Baku II
March 14, 2013
This is the second in a growing series of explorations in Baku imagery. I suppose it could expand into a general Yokai series. I’m not sure. It would definitely work.
Baku are complicated creatures as they are composites of several animals, the lion, elephant, rhinoceros and ox. I think that’s it.
Although from the many different images I’ve seen you’d never really know. I often think my dogs are rather “baku-ish.” They often provide me with inspiration.
As I said earlier, “complicated” – the imagery, the form itself and the question of approach is that way. A second go ’round with this same image with a different approach is tempting.
I have a third sketch of one, but not sure I’ll use it. While I need to move on to the next, it may be a while before it’s completed – summer perhaps. There are other projects being worked on simultaneously and it just takes time. I have to be patient.
pattern practice
March 8, 2013
Sometimes I get stuck, which is where I’ve been on one small piece. I started it, put it down thinking the progress I’d made would leave adequate clues. It didn’t. Besides, it’s a pattern I struggle with. My brain doesn’t want to do it.
Sometimes I can work through it and at others, it completely baffles me. That’s what happened this week.
In the end, I did some experimenting and much needed practice. The piece on the right is the “authentic” pattern that challenges. It seems to work. The one on the left is simply one I wondered about and thought it could be a shortcut. It has possibilities I think, but obviously the one on the right is the stronger of the two.
On this fabric, muslin, the pattern just didn’t take that well. Something didn’t quite work (binding not tight enough?) but I can see some similarities and differences in the patterns. It’s enough to keep me interested, asking further questions and continuing with the practice.
Half moons?
March 7, 2013
Well…I’m not really sure how to name this one. It’s a roughly 14 x 72 inch silk scarf in shibori and hand-dipped in indgo (in my studio).
It was made it specifically for the silent auction being held at Broughton HS (here in Raleigh) tonight. It’s for Stop Hunger Now and it takes place during their International Festival which takes place every year in the spring.
It’s a fantastic festival celebrating internationalism and the creativity and talents of the students who attend there. In my years of attendance, as a teacher, I was never disappointed. In fact, I was usually amazed at the performances and the generosity of the community. I hope it will be the same tonight.
at the vat again
March 5, 2013
I must say, the day started well with sunshine and hope. I made a note to myself to do some yard work in the afternoon. I met most of my goal for the morning. The vat was giving good color, those ‘garments’ were lining up nicely on the clothesline, but it wasn’t long before feeling a few drops in the air.
It was raining by lunchtime. So much for those afternoon plans. Tomorrow we’re apparently welcoming winter for the day again. A day off wouldn’t be a bad thing.
There are a few other projects wanting my attention and a couple of good books.
swatches
February 28, 2013
The sun did not come out to play today – disappointing. Still, I was able to reach the few goals I was working toward – to get at least half the run (pants) complete (which I did) and the other half ready for completion tomorrow.
I also took small breaks and unbound the small swatches I stitched up over the weekend and earlier in the week. These are lighter fabrics than my usual and I wondered how they would take stitching – some stitches. Then there was the element of the dyeing.
There are still some questions and further stitching. These pieces have given me some of the information I needed – not unhappy with the results!
Tomorrow: back to the pants, but progress is good and I’ll work quickly.
