March 20, 2008...12:39 am
testing new things….
looks like spinach and butternut squash- colorhue dyes
I’m testing out several new things today along with the regular production. I’m trying out a couple new ribbon widths
in a new fabric-crepe back satin-also bias cut. In addition, I’m testing out a new dyeset for some teaching I’ll be doing later
this year in Houston as well as a couple of other venues. The type of dyeing I do (immersion dyeing using the lanaset/sabraset dyes, discharging and overdyeing jacquard acid dyes ) requires equipment not always appropriate for some teaching situations.
Additionally, there are many people out there who would like to do some simple dyeing without having to get involved with all kinds of equipment and chemicals.
Last November at Quilt Festival I picked up a sampler set of these Colorhue dyes and tested them out dyeing a few pieces. Very simple to use, and quick. There are limitations to a dye like this since it strikes fast- meaning it’s not really practical for even solid shade dyeing on large pieces of fabric and yardage. ( It’s not really practical for production dyeing due to cost factors.) But it does seem pretty perfect for small batches, for textile artists and quilters who want to try out new techniques , for home dyers wanting a simple quick way to dye smaller amounts of fabric or fiber. In a teaching situation, the beauty of these dyes is that they don’t require heat or steam setting-they are pretty much instant-set dyes with very little washout. They can be intermixed much like watercolors.
The following is taken from the Silk Things website:
The ‘Colorhue’ dyes are primarily designed for use with silk. The Colorhue dyes do not require additional additives, heat applications or time setting procedures. They are water soluable and color fast. These dyes strike in just a few seconds, making dyeing tasks much easier and faster. Colorhue dyes can be used successfully for rayon , wool, linen,and the new soy and bamboo fibers. Dyeing any of these altenate fibers with COLORHUE will take some application variances.
The COLORHUE dyes are not recommended for cotton fibers.
So, I am experimenting with the Colorhue dyes and planning my shibori classes around these dyes in order to teach techniques
I otherwise wouldn’t be able to teach in some situations where there isn’t a full on dye studio. They are also great for working with kids since no harsh chemicals or heat applications are needed (Cherry Blossom Festival is coming up!). More to come as I experiment further. One thing to note is that most of my work involves steam setting for texture so my classes will primarily involve shibori techniques not necessitating steam setting.
On another note, F & S Fabrics in LA is adding to their shibori ribbon color selection and look for some Shiborigirl silk shibori yardage to be added in the near future. Silk shibori ribbon flowermaking classes may soon be offered there as well.
Technorati Tags: dyeing, colorhue, shiborigirl
Leave a Reply