Dyeing Vintage Linens

There are as many ways to dye fabrics, fibers and textiles as there are reasons to do so.  I love to dye linens and needlework made many years ago, now abandoned or relegated to drawers, never to be used. My two favorite methods are low water immersion and ice dyeing. Both give me results that are worthy of sharing the products dyed to be repurposed for today’s creative sewist. The dyes I use are called fiber reactive, also known as procion dyes.  They are used with any natural fiber except wool which requires an acid dye. Vintage linens were most often made of cotton or linen fibers but I also find rayon used in “linens” from the 50’s and beyond. Rayon loves the fiber reactive dyes and gives very vivid color results as does silk.  Crocheted cotton needlework pieces often give a much softer color as the fibers are often shorter in length as they are spun into yarn and the needlework is often more dense as in crocheted or knitted doilies.

There are many tutorials and videos on the internet that give actual instruction on various methods of dyeing fibers.  I would advise you to look at several because many who share in this manner have varying processes.  My preference is to learn from experts and from those who educate with regard to the product they sell.  I learned the basics from Dharma Trading Company (where I purchase my dye) and from Ann Johnston who I consider to be an expert (books and dvd’s available). Low water immersion technique uses dye concentrate and ice dyeing uses dye powder in combination with ice. I do not dye large amounts of yardage or needlework at any one time mostly because I do not have the space or equipment required. I usually dye one yard equivalents but have dyed large tablecloths with fantastic results. There are too many details to share in this post so suffice it to say I am working on a book to share both  processes and products.

Most often asked question is “what do you do with the dyed item”. I make clothing or quilts, small and medium size, and use needlework in various small projects. Because I have accumulated so much I now share them by vending at quilt shows and will start posting items on my etsy shop, PosieLaneLinens.  In the meantime enjoy the latest items out of the dyebath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dyed and delicious

It’s no secret that I love dyeing fabric and other textiles, especially vintage needlework and linens. I also love sharing the process via an educational workshop that has become quite popular.  The second in Iowa this year is coming up Thursday, June 1 in Winterset, Iowa.  The Iowa Quilt Museum is expanding their annual “Airing of the Quilts” into a multi-day activity complete with retreat, classes and nationally known quilter, Ricky Tims.  I am honored to be one of the class teachers with “Fabric to Dye For”.  Participants will go home with 3 yards of dyed fabric and textiles in addition to the knowledge to start their own creative collection of artisan dyed textiles.  You can sign up now for the class and I look forward to meeting new friends. For more information on all the activities go to the Iowa Quilt Museum website and start planning your travel to see quilts at the museum, a special quilt show and the county wide “airing of the quilts”.

I mentioned this is the second opportunity in Iowa this year.  The first is program and workshop at a quilt guild in Grinnell.  I would love to share at your quilt guild/group/retreat so feel free to contact me through this posting. Enjoy the photos below of some colorful textiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many asked for a process and even a pattern for my creative art quilt, Green House Effect.  It is an art quilt so not a pattern but I can share an overview of the process as I made it.  When making an art quilt it is important to remember that an original idea changes as techniques for completing portions need to be considered.  It is not a step by step pre-planned event for me.  It emerges.  Hopefully this will give you an idea to spark your own creative, wonky house project. Enjoy!

I started with a small sketch on a piece of scratch paper about 4 x 6 and then enlarged to 8.5 x 11 on my copy machine.  From there I enlarged with an overhead projector to the finished size I desired. I cut apart the pieces and used them as templates for the creation.

     

     

        

  This is how I finished with a faced back and pocket corners to insert a dowel for hanging.