If you have followed the dyeing work I’ve done this season it looks like a lot.
However, each and every piece has been carefully considered so that it is the best it can be. That takes time.
![image image](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRjnr9LcvVHbIsoIe5iwTeD4WNIbKgReRTlUZbIYGZG_S2w3sSXwGMehAHfi_DVB8lhRlVokMtM_HcYXxVjW89t7EHqNDKqJtr2H_cLfH53KIVOQ6RJcCZTXivz6h4iHxTBWiQd16vfM/?imgmax=800)
Some of the pole wrapped shibori pieces had been on the poles for more than a year before I put them in the buckets to dye.
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Each of the 100 smaller pieces of fabric I textured had to be individually arranged to get an interesting patterning.
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When I did a parfait dye with liquid dyes I carefully considered the order I would layer the fabrics in to get a pleasing combination.
![image image](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqoEhgvoGkpLnU2roSea16lUFcQsgvybIqc9SUXBrIFKnnOPeQpZbXpvnehE_CJvNf0xn6zKQYhX8Bcz9kP03B5FSiXcPC3RXSqz9WW0kW5Zd3MeE_V0E_mgrCJiHXm-7HxGYiafiT2U/?imgmax=800)
When I wasn’t pleased with a piece I didn’t hesitate to overdye, discharge and add additional colors to it until I had something I was in love with.
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But the most time consuming of all were the Mandala and Ice Dye pieces I created. Of course first I had to wash and iron yards and yards of fabric.
Then I arranged it in a way I thought I might get an interesting design.
Then I added ice and dyes and waited about 24 hours to start the rinse out, wash out, drying and ironing.
I went where no dyer has gone before as each piece was unique, drawing on everything I have learned and done in my life about design and color.
I PLAYED!!!!!!!
Some were more successful than others, but I will say they all were worthy of my time.
And as a result I earned the title Queen Of The Ice!
If I am making you tired just thinking about everything I did, remember this: Much of the work was done in my head sitting in an easy chair formulating ideas and plans for this adventure.
AND…..yes it was a grand adventure creating gorgeous fabrics.
Some of the fabrics I created actually made it into a few quilts.
What will happen to the rest of them?
Stay tuned as that is just one more happening on the slow journey.
I would also remiss in not mentioning what I did looks like such a gargantuan accomplishment, yet as I was living this adventure sometimes I felt I was spinning my wheels and not creating as much as I had hoped to do. Does that ever happen to you in your art or your life?