Ombre and shibori dyeing

I have been trying my hand at some ombre dyeing but with mixed results:

Dip dyeing

The dip Dyeing method was not very successful (above) and it was very time consuming.  I might have to create some sort of pulley system as holding the fabric for 20-30 minutes at each gradient was hard on the arms.
Next I tried laying the fabric out on a piece of black cardboard and sprayed the colour from dark to light on. Unfortunately the black cardboard bled into the fabric.  Hmm I think that is a piece that will have to be overdyed!

Shibori Ombre 1

 Next up was the shibori (pole wrapping) using  fuchsia and diluting the dye as we worked down the fabric.  Very happy with the results and the colours blend nicely without leaving a distinctive line.

Shibori Ombre 2

Shibori Cobalt/Golden Yellow

 Next up: Shibori (pole wrapping) using cobalt and golden yellow.  Still one of my favourites and a best seller! I have 3 of these for sale and will be posting them on etsy soon, or email me if you can't wait that long!

Cobalt gradient

 Lastly the cobalt gradients - I haven't done a set like this in ages but its a good way to build up the stash.

I have also been working on my challenge quilt for the art quilts around the world and will post at the end of the month (don't want to let the cat out of the bag!!!!)

The re-organisation of the sewing room is on going and have finally got the comic book backing boards that I will be folding the fabric on - acid free of course!

Happy Quilting!

The "Kia Kaha" Quilt- a special quilt for a special person

Kia kaha is a Māori phrase used by both the Māori and Pākehā (European) people of New Zealand meaning stay strong, used as an affirmation. The phrase has significant meaning for both the Māori and Pākehā people.

The "Kia Kaha" quilt is finally finished!  This quilt was made for someone very near and dear to me that has just recently come out of a long and painful relationship.

 Although not physically violent (that I know of) the emotional scars are clear to see.

Years of being put down have whittled away any self esteem that she had. Slowly she was  isolated from those that loved her and were concerned for her. It was so hard to stand by and see what was happening but feel powerless to help.

I am sorry for the things I could have done, should have done, and didn't.  I am sorry for being angry with her for not understanding why she chose to stay. You deserved so much better!

The cost of leaving has been high -  losing everything including her children that have chosen to stay with their father.  I pray that one day they will understand what you endured and all that you did  for them.

I am thankful that she is now safe!  Today is a new day and a new beginning!  The road ahead will not be an easy one but I know that we will find the beautiful and courageous woman we thought we had lost.  She will come out of this stronger and wiser.

Back of quilt

My hope is that this quilt will not only keep her warm in the upcoming winter but that the words on it will build her up and encourage her to "stand strong".

She is: Beautiful, Strong, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Comforter,

Gorgeous, Loving, Sexy, Awesome, Smart, Confident!

Kia kaha! not just to my loved one but to all those who are still suffering and I pray will one day find the courage to demand better for themselves and their children.

Another sneak preview/Arab Street

I had a great start to the day and got sewing early on my latest project - It is really humming along! (you can just spy it on the right hand side!)

Misty, was her usual supportive self

Later my friend Jesse and I headed down to Arab Street to check out some of my favourite shops.  I needed to buy some "bling" for my challenge quilt for the art quilts around the world group.  The theme for this month is "Carnival" and I have already decided what to do and how.  

We had a great time checking out the shops - you know that you go too often when they give your friend a discount due to me being a "regular"!

We also went and ate at my favourite Lebanese restaurant.  Yummy!!!

This week I will also make some more ice dyes as the last batch has flown out the door!  I guess that's a good "problem" to have! 

WATCH THIS SPACE!

a Sneak preview!

Here is a sneak preview of what I am currently working on:

Last Friday I spent the day at my friend Jesse's house (together with my sewing machine) and put the background of this together.

It was just the push (kick up the butt) I needed to get started on this as I had been putting it off. We have to do this more often!

Today I have been fusing the pieces on and started with the blanket stitch around the edges. (machine, of course!)

It's amazing how much you can get done if only you start!!!

Tomorrow is ANZA Quilt group and sewing classes at school.  The girls are all doing well and the new students will earn their sewing machine license this week (both Tuesday and Thursday class)

Wednesday, I think I might head to Arab Street to find some sparkly, blingy things for the next challenge of http://aroundtheworldin20quilts.blogspot.sg/.

Hope it doesn't rain! Can't wait to go to my favourite Lebanese restaurant for lunch!  Yum!

Time now though, for a cup of tea and some tiger balm - am feeling like I am 90 years old today!

Happy Quilting!

Yesterdays dyeing results

Here are the results for yesterdays dyeing session:

LOVE the boldness of these!

This one has black added to the colours

Fushia gradient

Turquoise gradient

Pity the change from light to dark was not a bit more subtle

Good even colour but needs to be brighter - I might redye

All in all I was quite happy with the results.  Dyeing is not an exact art and I learn something new everytime or how I would do something different next time.

My new fabric is on its way so hopefully I can get some more dyeing done in a couple of weeks.

Today I am off to ANZA Quilt Group!

Happy Quilting

Black and White Fabric Postcards

Isn't it funny that when you have time on your hands it is so hard to get motivated to get into the sewing room, yet when you are busy and have to "steal" time, you get more sewing done?

In June and July two of my kids were away and so one would think I had plenty of time for sewing, yet it was so hard to get motivated.  Now that life is back to it's usual hectic pace and teaching sewing classes 3 afternoons a week, I find I have achieved more in the last two weeks than in the whole of June, July and August!

I guess that working to a deadline helps as well.  The British Club Quilt show is on the 16th of October and there is still lots to do.  Today, another 4 cards completed.....

Now to order in some more supplies......

Happy Quilting!

Clothing samples

I realise it has been a while since my last post..... The school holidays are in full swing and although I only have one child at home at the moment, its been hard getting motivated to get into the sewing room.


I made a visit to Arab street and found a couple of great material shops with fabric at reasonable prices.  I also bought thread, elastic and ribbon at this great little shop at considerably less cost than if I went to Spotlight.  For once I got home and felt good that I got a good deal and didn't get ripped off!

Lately I haven't been doing any dyeing or quilting but have been making other things instead.

My son Luke asked me to print a tshirt for him with a picture from his favourite computer game - Minecraft for his birthday on Wednesday.

I used an iron-on tshirt transfer and it looked good....until it went through the wash.  Oh dear!
Round two involved printing the picture onto a fabric sheet, fusing and sewing it to the tshirt.  Hopefully this one will stand up to washing a little better.

Here is what else I have been making....

Childs Denim skirt

small drawstring bag

Child's Peasant blouse

I realise that making clothing is not normally my thing but these sample pieces are all part of an exciting Master Plan!  WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

Farewell block for a friend

Yesterday I made a farewell block to one of our friends from the ANZA Quilt Group who is returning to Australia.

It was to be made in greys with some colour:

I finished the block but found it a bit bland so I went to it with some fabric markers....

I hope she likes it!

The best part is that the block is actually square and  measures the required 9 1/2  x 9 1/2 inches.

Quite a feat for me!

Baby clothes with ATTITUDE!

After finishing a baby quilt last week, I must have had babies on the brain!  I thought how much fun it would be to tie dye  some baby clothes.

So I bought some "onesies", looked up how to tie dye a heart on the internet, mixed up some dye and off I went:

The colours are a little bright so I might do some with slightly more muted colours.

It will need a baby with real attitude to pull this outfit off!!

Happy Quilting!

Quilting Marathon

Yesterday was a 6 hours quilting marathon to sew a baby quilt for a friend.  The label will go on today and then it is finished.

On Mothers Day (last Sunday)  my darling husband and children bought me two great books.
Skydyes by Mickey Lawler
Traydyeing by Claire Benn & Leslie Morgan

so....earlier this week I also tried my hand at painting some fabrics.

Some of the colours are a little light and I have to watch that my horizon is straight and doesn't follow the curve of my hand!!!

Happy Quilting!!!

Tie dyeing

I have still got dye left over from the last couple of days dyeing and so this morning I googled how to do regular tie dyeing.

There are two Kelly green/golden yellow spirals and one fushia/grape spiral.

 And one pleated and folded piece in fushia/grape and golden yellow

The pieces are now washing and I cant wait to show them to you!!!!

Still no success  in finding soda ash,washing soda or sodium carbonate whatever you wish to call it.  I have tried the pool supplies place but they only have 25kg bags.  It seemed a little overkill!

I even went to Mustafa - the shop that has everything.... which it does..... just not washing soda.

Maybe I will just have to go and order it from Dharma.

Happy Quilting!

Loving the Shibori Dyeing!

Yes Folks there is more Shibori dyeing....

Blue fabric with Grape dye

White fabric with grape dye and red/purple dye

Blue fabric with Golden Yellow dye

Green fabric with Golden Yellow dye

 Then it's on to the rusted fabric that was prepared two weeks ago and dyed today....

Fushia, Grape, Kelly Green and Golden Yellow

Fushia, Grape, Kelly Green and Golden Yellow 

Detail of rust on fabric

Fushia, Grape, Kelly Green and Golden Yellow 

Now I just need to find somewhere to buy Soda Ash in Singapore....

Time for some more rusting again.....

Happy Quilting

Shibori Dyeing

After a week long family holiday in beautiful Vietnam, it was great to get back into dyeing some fabrics.  I had been given a plastic pvc pipe from the maintenance man at school and was ready to do some shibori dyeing.  (I think he must have thought I was a little mad asking for pvc pipe and rusty things!)

Wrap fabric around pipe together with  twine and scrunch to the end

Soak in Soda ash then paint on purple dye

Finished orange/purple

Finished white/purple

There is still more purple dye left so today I will be doing another batch.  Absolutely LOVE this technique and the results!

I was delighted at getting a pvc pipe from school and then yesterday I noticed the words on it.....

"Sewer Pipe"  Hmmmm.......

Jam Packed day 2

Here is a photo of the fabrics that I dyed yesterday.  Someone mentioned to me a while ago that the last batch of dyed fabrics had less "texture" so this time I made sure that these have more texture.  60 fat quarters in all!

I have also been busy making more fabric postcards.  I have made several with the puppies in sneakers but they are going out the door faster than I can make them!

I have also been making cards for Mothers Day which is just around the corner.  These too are disappearing faster than I can make them.

I guess that is a good problem to have!!!

Here are some of  todays creations:

Yes there are more but seeing my camera is "winging" it's way to Cambodia today I have to make do with taking photos on my phone.

Check out my etsy shop for more:

www.mariannebos.etsy.com

Happy Quilting!