WIP - Bjorkboda

Found while cleaning my sewing studio this afternoon, buried in a pile o UFO's (Unfinished Objects or in my case Projects!)

I remember now why I put it away, I started attaching stuff to the surface and then got stuck.  I may have to rip it all off now and try something different.

The techniques I used to create this piece are covered in my eBook Rust and Clay Dyeing which can be purchased here.  

Bjorkboda Progess

I've started stitching on this piece again, this time with a renewed vision.

Rust Dyeing eClass

 

Growth.

Rust Dyed Cotton Fabric

Machine Stitched.

I'm working on the content for the Rust Dyeing eClass!!!  Learn how to rust dye fabric, paper, and how to overdye with tannins, etc., for a gorgeous one of a kind surface!

Bjorkboda detail.
Rust, tannin, and indigo dyed cotton fabric.
Machine and Hand stitched.

Couching Dilemma

I had a feeling this was going to happen, I love the indigo and tannin dyed sisal so much I used it all up.  So do I go start a new indigo vat, which won't be ready until Saturday to use at the earliest and that coincides with my yard sale which means no dyeing on Saturday, or do I couch something else down instead?  I have on tiny six inch bit left of the sisal and no idea where to put it on the piece! 

To Couch or Not to Couch

Indigo and tannin dyed sisal, am contemplating couching some to the surface of Bjorkboda.

Definately not as one mass but more like bits and pieces, more like the stand of cottonwoods at the marsh bent, broken, and leaning.

And maybe a little knotted, like the vines that creep over the cottonwood trunks.

WIP - Bjorkboda 090412

 

 

Now with more hand stitching, and still plugging along!  I've missed several deadlines but at this point I don't care anymore, I have a vision for this piece and I want that vision to come to life but not in some half hearted fashion. 

In the mean time I'm contemplating dyeing some threads, for hand stitching, for this piece.  I still have the silk layer and the pieces of scrim that were dyed along with these layers and am thinking of starting a second piece for a new series.

 

WIP - Bjorkboda

I'm almost ready for the hand stitching, I filled in a bit more of the piece with machine stitching to reinforce it's structure.

The forgotten dye note text now dealt with which resulted in more brown scraggly stitching being added to the piece in a random manner. 

Some verticles.

I've started thinking about the cottonwoods and how stoic they look when shrouded in the ice fog of deep winter. 

More Details

The puffy areas will be stitched down in other colors.

WIP 080512

Making thread selections.

Aurifils cotton and rayon thread.

Aurifil wool thread.

Small Heart Shape

Detail from Oak Leaf Cloth

Oak Leaf Experiment

Posted updates plus video over at the Natural Surface Network in the Compost Dyeing Group!  You have to be a member of the network to view the group, membership is free.

Tannin Over Dyed Rusted Cotton

I have a short tutorial on Ustream on dyeing with tea, coffee, and tannin and then over dyeing rust dyed fabrics with them  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mark-making-with-nature I will be streaming part 2 tomorrow at 3pm Central Time.

Over Dyeing

Over Dyed Rust Dyed Cotton Fabrics

Upper Left Hand corner Tannin over Rust
Upper Right Hand corner Constant Comment Tea over Rust
Lower Right Hand corner Coffee over Rust
Lower Left Hand corner Tannin bound resist over coffee  over rust.

Aging Fabric with Tea, Coffee and Tannin

Tomorrow afternoon I will demostrate how to age fabrics effectively with tea, coffee, and various tannins. I have 30 minutes of stream time planned, which will be recorded, the stream however may go over 30 minutes.  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mark-making-with-nature 

WIP - Crow

Natural Dyed Cotton Fabric -Madder Root and Cutch on Natural Muslin.  Mordant - Alum Tannin Alum.
Timtex Core.  Machine Stitched, Hand Beaded, Glass and Natural Mineral Beads, Bone Pipes.
Still needs hand stitching, I will work on that tomorrow.
8x6 inches.

Oak Galls

Oak Leaves with Galls

Indigo Rusted Silk Organza

Indigo dyed rusted silk organza fabric

To increase depth of color, texture, and over all interest apply tannic acid to your pieces while they are rusting. The simplist source for tannin is tea, however, tannic acids in the form of quebracho's give richer colors and depth. Immerse in a solution of soda ash and water for even deeper patterning.Note however that each step reduces the archivalness of your piece.

Happy Rusting