DYEING.....

I have just finished digitizing some foxes - they are simple but I think, quite effective.   However, I wanted something 'foxy' to make a table runner with.   Had a fossick under the laundry sink and fished out the procions.    I only needed one piece in rust....I had dye left over....I made two....I went looking for more fabric.....I did some pinks and blues....I had dye left over.....I made yellows and oranges and pinks....and so on and so on, until I did run out of fabric to beautify!

I started with photos and measurements of powder and recipe alterations and then that all went out the window and I became the mad scientist once again.    Cant help myself it would seem.

I have used a cat litter tray, large glass jars, small glass jars and a couple of icecream containers to create the gems.

After dyeing there is a bit of rinsing to remove the excess dye.

 I am happy when the water looks like this or paler.   Ready to be dried and pressed.

Here are this weeks treasures.   Some of the photos were taken on a cloudy day and look a little drab, but how glorious are the photos on a sunny day.  

This is a commercial silver print.   The next picture shows the back.

Wouldnt this make a great under water scene, or the earth from above.

Tie dye without the tieing!

Sue xxx

WELCOME TO ALICE'S GARDEN - an homage to Alice in Wonderland

I did this quilt for a friend of mine, whose daughter has just had a baby girl named - you guessed it - Alice. Fran is a huge fan of this version of Alice in Wonderland. My friend asked me to incorporate a few items from Fran's wedding in the quilt. At first I was having a cow, to quote Bart, but with a little bit of bright fabric and free reign I was off and running. Originally it was to be a baby quilt but we both realised that the quilt would have a limited time of appeal, so I 

 talked my mate in to some seriously psychedelic fabric and it just brought the whole thing together.

 The 'drink me' bottle is made up from the groom's shirt - it was a nice shirt, he could still wear it if he doesnt take his jacket off! This shirt is also under the blue butterfly. The grooms tie is under the lace table cloth at the tea table, and can also be found under the queen's crown. My friend's daughter has three young sons, so one of their ties was used for the signage on the tree - this way, that way, etc and the appliqued ties on Tweedledum and Tweedledee. A piece of lace from the brides dress is the lacy part of the tablecloth, and if you notice the 88 at the top of the tree, that represents the place where the groom proposed to his bride. The quilt top was quilted when Alice made her arrival, so I made up a new pocket watch and set the time at 12.18. I hope you enjoy the photo's.

On a sad note, we had to say goodbye to the beautiful O'Reilly on Mothers Day.    I miss you buddy.  

Sue xxx