Why is it that when we think about doing laundry we are less than enthusiastic? The opposite is definitely true when it comes to dyeing fabric. While many of the same steps are observed we don’t seem to mind the work – as work it truly is! We draw water, we carry water, we measure the chemicals carefully and we layer the fabric. Then we wait and we get rewarded after hours of rinsing!
I spent two days in Weyburn. Several of Colleen’s quilting friends had requested a dye class. She set the dates and invited me to lead the class. Seven enthusiastic dyers, some experienced and some dye virgins… gathered and the rest is history!
Wednesday morning a group of Weyburn and area quilters gathered to expand their dye knowledge and spend a good time together!
First things first: Measuring is a vital part of dyeing – the ladies tucked right in and followed directions well.
Vera is double checking the recipe.
Soon the fat quarters and dye are evenly distributed in thier respective pickling jar and curing in the hot sun. Time for a photo op…
Rinsing took place after lunch and revealed fantastic results. Rich color and great variations – the 24 Step Color Wheel is drying in the gentle breeze.
On to create a color parfait: Adding pre-measured dye to a layer of fabric, topping it with soda ash solution are the basic steps.
Time to put this combination away from the action. A colorful rainbow is beginning to take shape…
And more color parfaits are curing in the heat. We are exercising patience… rinsing comes later!
At the end of the day rinsing is in progress and Trudi is admiring one of her first color parfait results.
Never judge a hand-dyed piece of fabric till it is ironed. A late night ironing session is on the agenda before bed time.
Day two began with a brief sharing session of everyone’s dye results.
Colleen set out exploring her favorite color. She had an array of greens to show off.
Terry explains the steps and the colors she used on this one of a kind cotton.
Discussions of color combinations and folding techniques continued throughout the day and when Jaynie dropped by to check out the dye results everyone was eager to share.
Sharilyn is contemplating her dye results.
Let’s unfold some great texture…
…and then there was Trudi’s table cloth. What a wonderful result. I wonder what her mom will say when she sees it for the first time…
Colleen and I don’t like to waste left over dye. We spend a couple of hours after everyone left and put up several more dye baths for her fabric. The morning of day three Colleen and I spend a couple of hours rinsing her gorgeous fabrics.
Thanks Colleen, Terry, Christa, Sharilyn, Trudi, Vera and Joanne for a couple of colorful days in Saskatchewan’s summer heat!
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
Laundry is a chore – tye-dying is fun!!!!
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My sentiments exactly! Thanks, Pamela!
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Darn, I missed inspection on the third day. It was great to leave with a big smile on my face the previous two days. The positive evergy was overflowing, thanks for letting me absorb some.
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The third day was just clean up day for Colleen and me – she did the lion share, but I was so fortunate to see the individual pieces of fabric emerge from the dye containers. It was great to see you in Weyburn, Jaynie – your visits got everyone even more engaged. Sharing is what it’s all about!
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Thanks for the tease Anna!! I am so looking forward to our Art Quilt Campus in a few weeks!! Great pics with great results!
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It was a great practice run for August – can’t wait to connect again!
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Great pics Anna. Look forward to doing this in August. Hope you are also finding time for yourself this beautiful summer. Keep the pics coming as I love to see them and do so envy your camera. Leona
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Thanks, Leona. Not finding much time to myself this summer. I am busy now getting ready for the various upcoming workshops and lectures. Gotta do it now – I am on the road almost all of fall. See you at Art Quilt Campus!
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I fixed the reluctant laundry day problem by dying all of it! LOL. My new motto is: Let nothing go uncoloured!
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Trudi- a gal after my own heart!!! Glad you enjoyed the process.
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That was a great day!! Thanks Anna! Like I said at the workshop…this is better than Christmas!!
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Of course it is better than Christmas!!! We can move about outside in the hot sun, barefoot and in shorts – the touques and mittens are somewhere buried in the winter closet. I had so much fun with your group – Thanks for organizing this event!
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