The Quiet Pleasure of Dying, Stamping and Stenciling

This is a new one for me.  I've taken a class in the art of creating Complex Cloth.  My teacher creates wonderful silk scarves, purses, hats, wall hangings and table coverings using her products.  When the class was offered I couldn't resist.

We spent 4 Saturday mornings dying fabrics, layer upon layer, and then embellishing the fabrics in applications of paint, glitter, glue.  I have yet to try the discharge paste which we were warned  would smell like an open sewer.  Yuck!  But that will take out color in designate areas for effect.

I've found Jane Dunnewold's book called Complex Cloth and her wonderful examples and directions.  I've also discovered Dharma Trading and their wonderful collections of dyes, fabrics and ready made white clothing just waiting for the magic.  And then there is the good old local WalMart where they carry many acrylic paints, stencils, brushes and stamps just waiting to be put to use.  Why can't I ever leave that store without spending too much money?

I've been taking good notes in class, so next post will have colors by name and what's been added.  Pictures will be here when the 4 pieces I started are complete.  I will truly mourn the passing of this summer!