In my previous post; I talked about
Natural dyeing with Hibiscus flowers.
The results that I found after doing a
google search; always shows the results
as pink color.
This is my second attempt.
I soaked my fabric in distilled water
and alum. Did a quick Tie dye method
of wrapping the fabric and put it into
the pretty dark pink dye water ( after
extracting the dye from dried hibiscus
flowers)
I just heated the dye water and left
the fabric in over night.
This is what it looked like in the morning.
(I took the photo on my deck; so the bright
spots are from the sun)
It's a very pretty pink!
Dried and Ironed it.
Filled the sink with distilled water.....
gone is the pink and it's back to the grey again.
It's just not working.
If anyone knows of a way to retain the pink
color after washing - please let me know.
Otherwise, my conclusion is that hibscuis
flowers does not make a pretty pink but a
grey.
I have been reading a couple of blogs
that have dyed fabric with Hibiscus (dried)
flowers.
I loved the results that they were getting with
the pink to rose colors.
I googled to find other web sites that told
you what colors you can achieve with certain
plants, flowers et. Hibiscus was always
listed as a pink.
I followed one blog's instruction using
vinegar to soak the fabric.
I first placed the flower heads in a
nylon stocking secured with a rubber band
at one end. This way I won't have to strain it.
I also used my tap water.
I lightly boil my Hibiscus flowers in a stainless
steel pot (only used for this purpose) and
I start to see a nice beautiful almost red
color. Now I'm excited and place my fabric;
which I just did a quick shibori tie in
4 places.
I had the heat on low for about 2 hours,
shut off and left over night.
Took out the fabric and let it dry completely
and gave it a light iron.
Here's what it looked like
It's pretty and pink!
I then put it in water with a light detergent
and then my heart sunk. It had turned a bluish
grey!
It's still pretty but not pink!
I belong to an eco dyeing group on FB and showed
the group what had happened and to ask if there
was something that I missed....??
Someone suggested that I use distilled water instead
of my tap water. (good idea)
My next test to follow.
My point in putting this on my blog is that you
can't believe everything you read on the internet.
(including me) LOL
So the blogs that I saw with the pretty pink from
the hibiscus flowers probably didn't wash their
fabric. When they finally did I bet they got a
big surprise!
Back later on this week with the results of my next test.
Shibori - there are traditional ways to
dye and manipulate the fabric. Some
patterns are more complex than others.
Traditionally, Indigo dyes are used more
often than not.
What I enjoy doing is going beyond the traditional
and experiment with bold bright colors.
Playing with a technique and reinterpreting
the design; giving it a whole new look.
I played around with this one - is it a Red moon
or a Blooming Flower Burst?
There are so many possibilities!
Change the colors and it becomes a Sunburst.
I discovered this design by just manipulating
the fabric in different positions.
The possibilities are endless and surprising!
The smaller pieces that I do I'm putting them in
greeting cards. The fabric can be removed and used
or just left the way it is in the card to be displayed.
All these are available in my Etsy shop.
Happy Quilting!
It's supposed to be spring and
it's still freezing cold out.
Look who I saw in my backyard
I couldn't get a better photo; I was
still in my PJ's. He was probably
looking for fish in the creek. It
was breakfast time.
Working to build up more inventory
in my shop. Here's the latest
This is one of my favorite techniques
that I developed. I love this!
All of the ones that I had listed
sold out! More to come.
Brown and beige shibori - good
for trees or landscape fabric.
Sunset and sky fabric.
More Sky fabric - done shibori pole
wrap technique.
More Sky Fabric - I really love
the way this one came out!
I also added a couple of scrap
packs with shibori and textures.
If you're interested in any of these;
head on over to my etsy shop - See
side bar.
Happy Quilting!
It's that time of year!
When I start to dye fabrics! YAY!
And I love experimenting with new
ideas and techniques!
One of my favorites - Tree Bark!
And Sky Fabric in different colors!
All are available in my Etsy Shop.
Happy Quilting!
Going through my fabric bins and
closet to find more UFO's - I can't
believe that I have so many! But I
don't feel so bad after a quilter on Facebook
admitted that she had over 100! Oh My!
A Patriotic Table Runner
Measures 14" x 33" A nice size to use
on your tables - Kitchen, dinning, or coffee.
For Sale in my Etsy shop.
I don't know which UFO will be next....? LOL
Happy Quilting!
Well I finally finished another UFO
that has been patiently waiting it's turn.
I used all the left over fabrics from other
projects that I had made and just improvised.
What is an Improv Quilt?
Taking Fabrics, cutting pieces and sewing them
in an artistic manner through a creative impulse.
Exploring new designs without a written or visual
pattern to follow.
I hand quilted in the big stitch style
using different color threads in circles.
I also cut out some flowers and circles with
steam a seam and fused them on.
I love the wonkiness to it and also the bright
colors! I think it would fit in nicely in a nursery
or child's room.
I do have several more UFO's to finish!
Happy Quilting!
