I recently had some scrap silk left over from having bias ribbon made for my silk shibori ribbon. It was enough that I wanted to see what could be done with it so I had the converter do some flat bias tube (unfilled cording). I always want to use as much as possible without throwing any away of course. I found out that the previous company I was using to do the biasing was throwing out the end cuts! Once I found that out I started having them save them for me for odd projects but they were very irregular. These days, I am a little smarter. I work with the converter to minimize any waste so we can plan ahead to make something with the end cuts.
Below, I am playing around with some ideas for the trims I will start having made- which I will be dyeing. I started out with an autumn colorway.
So far I have just finished the one piece. It’s in the shop as a made up brooch /necklace combo. When I get more of this made in different colorways, I’m thinking I’ll do some kits and workshops with it. It’s always fun to experiment with new things!
At the same time, I’m working on the September moons for the circle. This month I’m focusing on plant dyed moons. Using the feathery cassia seed pods and the fermentation vat on some vintage silk taffeta and cotton lawn, two very different moons are the result using the exact same dyes.
Also on the dye table are the materials for the kits for the upcoming Mermaid Adornment workshop. If you didn’t get a chance to check that out see here.
And my new daily visitor keeps me company in the studio…another squirelley girl but younger and smaller than my original friend!
Shibori Girl 
Great idea. How about a mini class? I hope the mailing has been corrected on my moons–I got one invoice today. Janet Wright
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I think I finally fixed it!! I deleted one so there is just the one now. jeeze…
mini class? once I get enough of this made i might just do some short vids to show the basic techniques and include with the kits. if you wanted a full workshop i could do that too. thanks for the idea!
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Of course when I read: “…throwing out the end cuts!”…my mind says, “wait, how long are they? Are they long enough for weaving? lol You can tell what I’ve been up to the most.
Cute studio chum!
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Yes. Definitely. Often they range in width from 1/2” to 3.5” and edges are ragged. But definitely good for some things. Weaving would be one!
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I’m glad your cassia dyeing was more successful than my attempts back in 2014 … we have a Lindheimer senna in our new backyard garden with tons of yellow flowers, sure to be followed by lots of seed pods … but I think I’ll just stick with your Cassia Moon
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I have another type of senna and the pods do not darken nor dye well. It’s more of a tree than a bush type. Figured it was with trying sine they are easy to collect.
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(((Glennis))) your Cassia Moon is a like waking from a dream veiled in mist!
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Mo- did you get a package yet? Should be soon!!
Yes, these September moons were conceived during a week of heat and fire here. when I looked at them they seemed to be a bit smokey looking. Mist is WAY better!! (we did get one day of light rain though that helped a great deal)
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not yet, x fingers soon but there’s really no rush, am still working on the blue moon with the red silk I started on the March Equinox, this is a very slow year learning to see with my heart again.
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I completely understand! I packed a few extra bits in there for you…
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Hello,
I’m Rose Estes. I’ve been reading your reports now for several years and loving every post. I learn something new every time and value it highly. I have saved all of your posts and sometimes just read through them. You write beautifully and at times of stress in my life, reading your posts seems to calm my heart. I’ve finally joined the moon circle and while I haven’t done anything with them as yet, my mind is busy with possibilities. However, I’m writing you about something else entirely today. Back in 2006 I stumbled across an estate sale in Portland, Oregon and discovered that it was the home of a collector of exotic fabrics. Included in the sale was a large quantity of what was purported to be 24k gold thread, as well as silver, copper and platinum used in the creation of kimonos. Long story short, I have been selling it ever since in my gallery on the central Oregon coast. Even though there was a huge quantity, we have started to run out. Many shades are completely gone and there are only a few of the large cones left. I’ve been looking for a new source for years. Several years ago I ran across a manufacturer who was going out of business and managed to buy all I could afford, but he’s gone now. I cannot seem to make my way through the language barrier to find a new manufacturer though I am positive that they must still exist. I am hoping that through your vast knowledge and experience in this field that you will be able to help me find such a company. Even if you don’t know of them personally, hopefully you would be able to point me at someone who would know. I’ve written to every possible lead I’ve found on the internet, for the most part, no one replies. I was a journalist for many years and have always done well with research, but I strike out consistently on this matter. A large number of our customers use the thread in reconstruction of old vestments and altar cloths in Christian, Greek Orthodox and Jewish churches and temples. There are also hand workers and artists. None of them know of other sources either. We are all growing quietly frantic against the day that the last skein of thread is sold. I am reaching out to you in the hopes that you can still our fears and help me find a new manufacturer. I, and my buyers will be extremely grateful for whatever help you can offer.
best wishes and warm regards,
Rose Estes
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Rose!
thank you so much for YOUR persistence and long time presence here. Let me look around and circle back to you. I have a few ideas. I’ll also look for your website (or email me your link) and I can see what your thread looks like. G
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