When a friend wrote and asked which products I had used for sun dyeing, I didn't know. I'm not very good at recording my experiments. (note to self, remember that when it comes time for New Year resolutions) So I decided to try out some sun dyeing and take photos of what I use.
These are the three paints (two paints, one dye, all acrylics) I used on some plain white cotton. They are all very old fabric paints/dye, probably from the early 90's. I diluted them and spread them around my fabric. Then I spilled my water container all over the table and fabric, so the fabric was super wet.
I scrunched the fabric in a few places, and laid pine needles, and various leaves on its surface. After just over an hour in the afternoon sun it was dry. I carefully pulled the leaves off, unscrunched it, and gave it a press. I was pleased with the results. The photos are taken from the same angle so you can see what made which design.
The very clear leaf designs came from fresh camomile leaves that adhered very securely to the wet fabric. The more blurry designs came from dried leaves that simply sat on top of the fabric. The pine needles also gave a similar print. I was very happy with the valley and ridges created by scrunching the fabric.
Sun dyeing is so easy and fun, if you haven't tried it what are you waiting for?!
The fabric looks wonderful! What a fun technique!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great how they turn out? Leaves and teal are my favorities.
ReplyDeleteI love this fabric - the colour is wonderful. I've always thought that it was a more involved process - but wow! - I have all of that stuff - I hope it is sunny on the weekend so I can give this a try! Thanks Gina!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful fabric you created. Thanks for showing a picture of the paints you used. Now I have a better idea of what paints to use.
ReplyDeleteJust stunning. I luv teal/aqua and leaves. It really seems very simple. What am I waiting for???
ReplyDeleteoooo.... I love those results! I don't work with fabric - do you suppose I could get similar results with papers? hmmm.... sounds like some experimentation is in my future :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems like you have inspired us all. Janet did some and now (if the sun comes out) I might have a go too this week. Love your fabric!
ReplyDeleteOoh, pretty! ANd it's so cool you've got the before and after pix at the same angle, it's great to be able to see what does what!
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