precursor and problem solving prior to "pairings" -- part 3

The fiber collage (with applique, stencil design and hand
embroidery) right side down is ready to mount on
prepared stretched canvas.

Wrapped canvas is "framed" with thin wood slats.

Corner clamps hold frame "square".

TA-DA

detail of completed piece

precursor and problem solving prior to "pairings" -- part 2

Tea dyed silk organza over tulle is machine stitched echoing
the circle appliqué on the fiber collage.  (See previous post)
The tulle is trimmed away.

And stitched by hand with embroidery floss.

Stitching of the fiber collage can be seen through the embroidered overlay.

precursor and problem solving prior to "pairings"

A doodle/sketch/idea for our PAIRINGS project became the plan for my practice.

Using scraps from my PAIRINGS partner, Suza of Suza Designs a fiber collage was made.  I was thrilled when gifted these "trimmings" to use in my various projects.  These fabrics were hand woven by using a variegated warp she dyed. 

Silk circles (from an under used silk blouse) were fuzed to the background collage.

A stencil (part of a plastic placemat) was used to create pattern on the silk circles.

The printed pattern was enhanced with stitched marks.

Hand dyed warp threads were used for stitching.

The color variations of the stitches creates interest.

nimble fingers of WGSL

In process and completed project photos from the Weavers Guild of St. Louis workshop.  Thank you ladies, I had a great time.

over dye play day: part 2b

Note to self:  Blogger seems less combative with fewer photos.  

Folding: uneven accordion folds clamped in place

Kanoco:  wrapped around glass marbles and bound with tiny cable ties.

over dye play day: part 2a

PROCESS:   When in Sulpher, OK I found a large cotton damask table cloth.  Eager to get started, I didn't launder or scour the fabric before tearing into strips and beginning the rust process.  When unwrapped, the cotton still appeared bright white with minimal rust marks.  There must have been a finish on the fabric which resisted the iron oxide.  Undaunted, I refolded and soaked the fabric in coffee and tea for several days with minimal color shift.  The still folded bundles were then simmered in walnut dye for several hours.

The bright white with iron (rust), tea, coffee, and walnut stains.

Gathering:  stitched with safety pins

Wrapping:  random gathering and bound to a pole

over dye play day: part 1

PROCESS:  rust dyed linen (pieces of deconstructed salvaged clothing) were presoaked in soda ash before dyeing.  Procion MX dyes were applied to the folded/clamped fabric then wrapped in plastic and left to "batch" for 24 hours.

TECHNIQUE 1: presoaked (soda ash bath) linen was wrapped on a 2" PVC pipe and bound with nylon cord.  MX BRONZE (medium) and (light) were applied with syringe in alternating bands.

bound and dyed

unbound, rinsed, washed, pressed and ready

TECHNIQUE 2: presoaked (soda ash bath) linen was scrunched tightly into a plastic container; ICE BLUE (light) and LILAC (medium) were applied with syringe. 

rinsed, washed, dried and steam pressed

Completed mobius scarf from rust dyed linen scrunched and over dyed with ICE BLUE and LILAC.

TECHNIQUE 3: presoaked (soda ash bath) linen was folded and clamped with metal washers then dipped in MX BRONZE (medium).

rinsed, washed, dried and steam pressed

Completed mobius scarf from rust dyed linen clamped and over dyed with MX BRONZE.

paper swap preparations

Marking making with rust from found metal objects has intrigued me for some time.  My introduction to "rust" dyeing came many years ago when a friend of a friend shared her rust and over dyed silk fabrics.  Those patterns and colors are still fresh in my memory.  Back then, I limited my experiments to the realm of paper (trying to keep focused) and was able to get some rust stains transferred by repeatedly dampening nails and letting them dry on top of some handmade paper sheets.  Any visible rust particles were brushed off and cockled papers were pressed flat.  The marks were not very dramatic so the experiment was filed under "been there, done that".

Recent trends in botanical printing and rust dyeing rekindled my rust interest.  Deconstructed linen or cotton garments are folded. wrapped, clamped then layered with objects from my "rusty" collection.  The fabric is spritzed with vinegar, covered and left to do it's thing.

cotton and linen resist dyed with rust

In preparation for the Yahoo Papermaking Group 2014 Swatch Swap, I have a rust/paper experiment in progress.  Sandwiched in plastic are dampened cotton waterleaf paper (white), a vintage metal door mat and dampened handmade paper (green daylily and aqua cotton waterleaf).  Tick, tock.  

My hope is that rust patterns will be transferred to the handmade paper.  If successful, the patterned papers will be torn into 2" x 3" swatches and sent for inclusion in this years samples.  If the experiment is not successful, there will still be time to make new paper (cotton with rust dyed linen thread waste inclusions).

Crossing my fingers and toes.

orange kitty collage quilt

ORANGE KITTY COLLAGE QUILT

Artists are always being asked to donate artwork to auction for this or that worthy cause.  Having donated my fair share over the years, it is my policy to decline, unless I have an ongoing relationship with the charity.  Recently, a friend introduced me to NO KILL COLUMBIA.  Their goal is to provide an alternative place for those outside of Boone County to bring animals for spay/neuter services.  For more information visit their website : www.nokillcolumbiamo.org 

I challenged myself to create something "pet themed" to donate through their fundraiser ART UNLEASHED.

Inspired by my 14 year old yellow striped companion, SOL, I searched my stash of "fancy" fabrics (salvaged silks from thrift store blouses) and found the oranges speaking to me.  My "style" is not pictorial, but challenge felt right and he went together more easily than expected.  The supplementary surface stitching (ears and whiskers) was really fun.  Note: this isn't free motion, but forward straight stitching.  I probably should have named him "DIZZY" because he was turned around and around with every change in direction.

This 8" x 8" silk collage on denim piece was handed off today and will hopefully be a part of getting NO KILL COLUMBIA a bit closer to their goal.

ready for pre-jury evaluation

Infinity Scarf: 100% linen. rust dyed,  75"

Scarf: 100% linen. rust dyed,  61"

Two samples of rust dyed scarves are on their way to pre-jury evaluation for the Weavers Guild of St. Louis' Annual Holiday Sale.  Samples are checked for construction, craftsmanship and quality during pre-jury evaluation.  If approved, I will transform other deconstructed garments using rust dyeing techniques then stitching into flat, infinity and mobius scarves for my guild sale inventory.

32nd ANNUAL WEAVERS' GUILD of ST. LOUIS SALE

Friday, Oct. 24th 10am– 8pm

Saturday, Oct. 25th 10am– 4pm

NEW Sale location:   First Congregational Church of Webster Groves  10 W. Lockwood Ave. Webster Groves, 63119 (SW corner of Elm and Lockwood near downtown Webster Groves) 

inventory delivered

The St. Louis Artists Guild is redesigning and refreshing their Gift Shop.  I delivered these items earilier this week for your shopping pleasure.  When you are in the area, stop by 2 Oak Knoll Park (off of Big Bend) and check out the revisioned Gift Shop.   

www.stloiusartistsguild.org  314-727-6266

144 page blank journal with hand dyed wool cover

144 page blank journal with colorful fabric collage covers

earrings featuring fabric beads

earrings featuring paper beads

earrings featuring handmade paper beads

earrings & bracelet sets featuring paper beads

handmade paper heart blank cards with envelopes