Playing around with my naturally dyed
on a thundery rainy day.
Arranged and pinned silks on the wall.
stitched and added in some wedding dress.
Really like this as it is.
It's about 22" square.
Threw it into the washing machine
and now it measures about 12"!
Tried different stitches
got different effects.
Tried different threads
got little specks of colour.
My favourite section
of fine wrinkles
below those puffy rows.
If you want to know how
you'll find it in India Flint's inspirational book
"Second Skin".
I'm going to try for a gentler effect next time.
this is spectacular, quite amazing, certainly a WOW effect!
ReplyDeleteThe thing is now I have to decide if it is a change for the better. I really liked it before I felted it.
ReplyDeleteI loved it before you felted it and I still think it looks special but it has changed the colour quite a bit. I love all the different stitching - is that from India or just the dyeing part? I have been on a book buying spree lately but so far don't have India's second book.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, yes the value changes became more noticeable as the fabric was scrunched together more; but the felted photo was taken in the evening light as opposed to bold sunshiny morning light. Just between you and me...I really loved it before felting and am not so sure about the after!
DeleteIts great both ways, but I also think better before felted. Its really an amazing piece that just draws you too it.
ReplyDeleteI think what you loose in the felting is those lovely subtle streaks and changes in colour...especially on the centre strip across the piece which is part of a recycled silk blouse.
DeleteWhat fabulous textures!
ReplyDeleteAlways trying something new.
Deleteso, i'm assuming you stitched the silk to a wool background??? i've been wanting to do this but i haven't bought the pre-felt yet. i love the effect you got but i really want mine to be flat so i guess i need to wash the felt before stitching on it.
ReplyDeleteit is a very dramatic effect you got there. i do have India's books but i haven't read Second Skin as yet.
Yes, that's exactly it. There was a stage in the felting process when it was less drawn in and flatter..next time I will stop there! 'Second Skin' such a yummy book.
DeleteOh my gosh - being a 'texture freak' I love, love, love this. What a wonderful technique and the colors are to 'dye' for!!
ReplyDeleteSo do you see what I meant by comparing that bottom right corner to your lovely punch-needle work?
DeleteThis is really cool, Penny. i like both before AND after! How could you choose?
ReplyDeleteToo late to go back now!
DeleteWhat a great texture and I love the little bursts of color that you added.
ReplyDeleteYes, the little shots of colour are my favourite too.
Deletewoo, what a difference a bath makes! i guess i would fall on the before side of the "which i like better" because i can see the stitches clearly and i like the flatness too. but the scrunched piece has potential for exploration - to do selectively, etc. the colour works well in either shot. more eye candy. thank you.
ReplyDeletePerhaps my bath was a bit TOO rough.
DeleteGreat experimenting - striking before and after effects!
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Yvonne....the constant experimenter!
Deletethanks for the kind mention, Penny...and what a delight to see the process documented so thoroughly from beginning to "end"
ReplyDeletebecause somehow i don't think it's ended there...from what i know of you, a needle will leap to hand and the magic will continue!
Can never resist adding more with needle and thread!
DeleteHa ha, that´s marvellous... I like stage 2 and 3 a lot too though...
ReplyDeleteCan't go back! But will make the most of what I've got.
DeleteFABulous! Wonder if that thread that scrunches up when you wash it would work as well? dont ask me the name of it..........but I have a roll, unused...somewhere safe lol
ReplyDeleteWorth a try...go for it!
Deleteamazing! real good work, Penny. happy weekend to your and the RP's. -sus
ReplyDeleteFun stuff! Oh talking of RP's...I need to keep this new piece out of their reach...they have been known to take a fancy to naturally dyed fabrics.
DeleteI am without words, this piece is a work of art. Penny, you are like a magician taking out rabbits from your hat.
ReplyDeleteMore like the washing machine was like a maician!
Deletegreta, reminds me of dried mushrooms
ReplyDeleteOh, yes!
DeleteYou inspired me to make some prefelt yesterday so I could try this! I've been reading Second Skin for the last week...savoring it. Regarding where to stop, I use a washboard and felt by hand so that I have more control on when to stop felting. Works better for me but harder on the hands. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, the next one I will do the whole process by hand for that same reason.
DeleteWow, Penny. I'm gathering from the comments that it has to do with felting - it reminds me of the texture that you can get from the product - texture this - where you stitch any kind of fabric to a plastic-y type of fabric and then apply heat. It shrinks in all directions -
ReplyDeleteI like that this is so much more natural.
I gave Second Skin to my oldest daughter - but she lives too far away for me to borrow it - I guess I'll have to get my own copy now.
xx
Fantastic work..and judy you must get Second Skins..it is so fantastic!!!
ReplyDelete