Introduction
Natural dyes are extracted from particular roots, wood, bark, leaves, flowers, nuts, insects, shellfish and mineral compounds.
Colors derived from food sources are fugitive, meaning the color will fade over time. Certain food sources provide stronger and longer lasting color; turmeric, red onion skins, black tea, avocado pits/skins and frozen mixed berries are the best bets with, in my opinion, turmeric and black tea holding the most color over a longer period of time. Since we are not making wearables (items that will be laundered) and each student working at home in their kitchen, these food sources are suitable for the online course.
Assignment:
Explore the various processes of natural dye. So that we can employ sustainable dyeing practices, dye sessions will be scheduled during class time. This will allow us, as a group, to utilize and exhaust several dye pots. We will work together to set up dye baths and clean up. Natural dyes are provided for the students.
Also provided, a yard of 100% cotton PFD (prepared for dye) fabric for each student.
Shibori will be introduced so students can explore various methods of creating pattern/marks on the fabric. The verb "shibori" means to "wring, squeeze, press" in Japanese.
Student Work:
Go to right column and search "Dye Experiments Student Work" or click on link below. If you do not see right column, scroll to bottom and click on "web version" so you have access to the right column index.
Guidelines:
- Each student required to have at least 12 pieces of fabric that demonstrate dye color and Shibori techniques.
- Each piece demonstrates time and effort. At least six (6) pieces should contain at least two colors.
- Fabric pieces should be similar in size. Each student given a yard of PFD (prepared for dye) fabric to divide into 12 pieces.
- Fabric put in the dye baths must be prepared for dyeing. Do not bring fabric/clothes from home and place in dye baths. This fabric will contaminate the dye bath.
When is this assignment due?
- Due date announced in class and posted on course calendar.
- Each student required to have at least 12 pieces of dyed fabric that demonstrate time and effort regarding Shibori techniques and color layers.
- -5 points for not submitting work on due date. -5 points for each class late thereafter.
How do I prepare the work to turn in on the due date?
- Stack all samples, with left side aligned.
- Write your name on piece of paper, place on top of the stack, aligned left.
- Binder clip the fabric and paper with your name on left side.
- Ironing the fabric is optional.
Materials:
- Students Required To Purchase:
- Fabric Scissors
- Must be fabric scissors, not regular scissors. Fabric scissors needed to cut fabric. Regular scissors do not cut fabric.
- Thread Cutters. Small tipped fabric scissors and/or seam ripper. can also work.
- Needed to pull out Shibori stitches.
- Sewing Needle with a large eye.
- Optional.
- 100% super strong nylon upholstery thread. Needed for Shibori stitching. I have this thread available in the studio for students to share while working in the studio. If you purchase your own, you do not have to share and can take home for homework.
- Optional.
- A pair of rubber gloves that reach beyond your wrist.
- Please write your name with a Sharpie on the gloves. You can purchase at grocery store.
- Optional
- An apron for the days we use natural dyes. Or wear old clothes.
- Purchase information for items listed above on the class blog. Search right index column for Materials List or link here. https://textilesatflaglercollege.blogspot.com/2024/02/materials-list-for-textiles-and-natural.html
Schedule:
Day 1
Students receive PFD fabric and experiment with Shibori stitches in class. Continue to work on stitches for homework. Must have at least six (6) pieces of fabric that attempted Shibori stitching. The other six (6) pieces can utilize Shibori folding techniques.
Step 2
Continue Shibori stitching. Complete Shibori stitching and folding on all 12 pieces of fabric.
Step 3
Beginning of class, students work together to set up dye baths. Dye fabric that has been Shibori stitched and folded.
Step 4
Continue to exhaust dye baths. Last day we will dye as a class. Dye baths will be available for students to use on their own for about a week.
Shibori:
Source unknown. Please email lmongiovi@flagler.edu with source.
Student Work. Timaree McKenny.
Jeni Baker
Additional Information:
- The dyes we use in class are purchased from Botanical Colors. The website offers a wealth of information regarding dyeing. I suggest you check out the site if you are interested in expanding your natural dye knowledge.
- Many natural dyers post on Instagram. Check out the natural dye posts to glean info and ideas. Important, foods such as cabbage and black beans are not natural dyes.
- Facebook has a group for natural dyers. Always helpful information and ideas in the group.
- The cotton I provide is purchased from Dharma Trading Company and is PFD (prepared for dyeing). You can purchase by the yard. If you have any questions about any product on Dharma website, give them a call - they are super helpful.
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