Dyeing is fun. Everyone should know the basics. At its simplest, it extends the life and personality of faded or worn clothing or home dec textiles (assuming they’re natural fiber) – napkins, pillow cases, sheets, towels, etc. And in the hands of artists, it becomes a magic wand.
Back in 1996, I had the opportunity to write a book for Rockport Publishers on the emerging genre of textile dyeing as a surface design art form. The brilliant talent of Peggy Russell, Carter Smith, Lucinda Cathcart, and others blew me away. Although my dyeing skills are still rudimentary, I learned enough from this book project to be fearless when it comes to throwing something in a hot or cold water bath and baptizing it with a new hue.
I’m always happy to share what I know with other fiber and fabric mavens. So if you’re interested in learning the simple, beautiful art of dyeing fabric, drop me a line. Fancy clothing not required. You’ll get messy. (Most likely I will still be wearing my purple hoodie which has been through at least five dye baths in the last 12 months. I’m going for a world’s record!)