To Dye For

Silk…the magical answer! There are many varieties of silk but 16 mm (“mummy” weight) silk crepe de chine is my favorite to use for creating with dyes. The higher the mummy (momme) weight, the heavier the weight of the silk; the 16 mm silk crepe de chine has the perfect level of weight and drape for my dyeing endeavors. Silk crepe de chine can be cool or warm – it changes with the weather. It is lightweight, easy to clean, absorptive, and durable. Though soppy and heavy when wet, silk hangs dry in minutes…a little finger-flattening of seams, and a quick ironing to transform it into the amazing stuff that it is. Silk crepe de chine responds best to ironing; the end result must be ironed to produce the soft, drape effect.

I love painting yards of silk without having to sew them into scarves or curtains – I’d like to be paid to do just that. Make no mistake - silk can be a pain in the ass to work with; not everyone wants to sew silk and some avoid it altogether. For making curtains, silk crepe de chine is a little top-shelf but the fabric has a beautiful drape, creates a stained glass effect as the light floats thru each layer, and these curtains drift beautifully in a breeze. Silk crepe de chine resists fading longer than cotton, is stronger than cotton, need less washing/ironing than cotton…it is worth the price. Would a person pay $40 per two-panel window curtain made from hand-dyed silk crepe de chine?

Dye with patience - If you’re feeling moody or in a hurry, avoid dyeing. Like with cooking and creative sewing, dyeing will pick up on your mood and your level of angst – don’t compound your problems. Dyes, salt, and soda ash all must be dissolved carefully and at the right temperature or else you’ll waste a lot of time and money. All ingredients must be kept swirling together to avoid caking. It pays to be ambidextrous and able to stir with one hand while measuring powders with another.

Dye clean and with ventilation – high-quality powdered dyes and fixers are toxic fine particulate matter and not for inhalation. There should be no food or dish drainers nearby. “Never eat and play at the same time!” Sponges and towels used when dyeing with soda ash are forever donated to this art ‘n’ craft.

Silk scarves...

Painters’ caps and visors – these are lightweight summery items that are affordable, too! Vat dyed, then hand-stamped and painted.