Deep and Wide: Elin Noble’s Hand Dyes
an interview with Marcia Young
Additions & Subtractions: Building A Personal Language
We will explore what happens when color is repeatedly removed and added through sequential shibori techniques. The results produce cloth with luminosity, sophisticated color nuances, and visual complexity. We’ll use the Procion MX fiber reactive dyes, with thiox as the discharge agent, on cellulose fibers (cotton, rayon, Tencel, hemp and linen) as well as silk. We will cover the basics: learn why the different products are used and when to use them. We will also talk about safety, color mixing, fabric selection and preparation.
Itajime shibori, or clamp-resist dyeing, is based on wooden boards held on either side of accordion folded cloth, then dyed. This class is an in depth exploration of how the different folds, and the location, shape, and size of the wood boards, influence the overall pattern. You will leave with dozens of dyed examples and the ability to further explore your personal pattern vocabulary.
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