The back story

One of the things I think I learned most recently was not to save dye. I had some thickened dyes and they DID keep for several months but I don't want to make a practice of it. I have mixed bottles of dye from probably 6 months ago, possibly longer.
I threw everything out before I started Coastal 2. I mixed 1 cup of black (4 tablespoons total) and 2 cups of Deep Navy (4 tablespoon total). That is plenty dark. As a matter of fact I had to keep re-dyeing the shibori because the pieces were coming out too dark this time.
On the pale version, I started the bottom 2 with deep navy and kept halving it with water. Too light. Of course I can't remember how much dye powder I added to the 2 cups of water to start with. Go for the unexpected - don't take notes!!
This batch of shibori was very dark and I had to really add lots of water to lighten it. That's called over compensation (for the light piece).
Anyway, when I was done I decided to use up all the mixed dye. I did 5 beakers of black and six of deep navy - all low water immersion. I added one cup of water and one cup of soda ash solution (1 cup soda ash to one gallon of water) and in each beaker. Then I added 1/2T, 1T, 2T, 4T, 8T. It isn't that clear but the black really split off into green. Lots of green in the pieces. Each piece was a full half yard. It was a warm and sunny day and I left them outside for about 4 hours then washed them out with synthropol (Prosipol) and I added my beloved "Color Catchers"

                                                    The grey gradient

the blue gardient

                                    The shibori squares just ironed (15X15)

                                               the color catchers

Where the heck have I been?

It's been a busy summer with the workshops at MidCoast Surface Design Workshops, the Maine Event, company from all over, my Fall sewing workshops at Sewing By The Sea in Trenton, Sew Portland, and Quilt Divas in Rockland PLUS I am teaching a silk scarf batik workshop at Fiber College for a colleague who has been ill.

I also have to admit I was bitten by the sketching and watercolor bugs - badly. As a matter of fact I was out today in the pouring rain (in my car) sketching.

Now it's time to get back into the swing of things. I will be doing a dyeing workshop in late Fall early Winter. But in the here and now I am working on the Shibori commission, Coastal 2. I got the go ahead from the purchaser on this last round of dyed pieces, they are cut to size and I will be putting the piece together and shipping it out with the next two weeks.

This is the original

                                  This was my first attempt at a copy (too light)

This is the latest selection of shibori dyed pieces. They have to be done all at once and that makes for a long drawn out process of wrapping, tying and dyeing.

This is almost identical to the original. I have cut the pieces to size and will start the piecing today. Then on to the framing...

The meadow suite

While we had 14 people staying at out house, we turned the Art Greenhouse into the Meadow Suite. Here are the pics.

                                                                Futon (double bed)

                                                  2 singles with king sheets for the 3 boys

                                                 Supplies safely behind "check point charlie"

The other 10X10 piece

This is called Vignettes II

Two Things

I am starting to recover from all the tumult of having company - I am expecting more Sunday. I did have a chance to make a piece (one of two) for this years 10X10 show and sale in Brunswick. I also did a quick sketch and watercolor of a teddy bear I bought my son. His wholesale rejection of this sweet Steiff bear that I spend 6 hours (in traffic) shopping for was a huge shock. I almost felt the blow of rejection myself and have always had a soft spot in my heart for this little guy who never slept in the arms of a child or was even loved. Perhaps one day I will find someone who will love him and think he is the best bear ever.

Update on the Sewing Workshops

Two quilt shops have shown interest in my classes. I am booked for September 22 in Rockland at Quilt Divas for the "Best Ever Bookcover" which has morphed into a kindle holder. I will make an envelope type kindle holder as well as an book type kindle holder. I will also demonstrate the flip and sew method of quilting.
If you can't remember this method click on the QAYG tab on the homepage. This is the technique I used to assemble these blocks.

 Above is a kindle cover that opens like a book with Timtex inside to stiffen it. This fabric was the first fabric I ever dyed - years ago. I love it and never wanted to cut it up but thought it was great for this cover.

                             This is a kindle pouch I made for my cousin with a Velcro closure.

I just made this one for a sample to have at Quilt Divas. I didn't put a closure on it because there is a choice of three closures that can be used. It was a flip and sew piece and I don't like the flap so I will modify it for the class. The lining material is the botanical "resist" from the silk screen class last week.

The other place hasn't emailed back with an acceptance of my proposal so when she does, I'll give you all the details She is interested in the improvisational quilt.

The Art Greenhouse Conversion

This weekend I will have 14 people in my house. My son, DIL, and baby Byron will be staying in the guest room. The nanny, Veronica, and Zac will be in Brian's room. My only nephew, his wife and 3 boys will be in the "converted" Art Greenhouse. Brian is sleeping on my floor in a sleeping bag and I remain in my own bed as well as my parents in their apartment one floor below.

The "Meadow Suite"