A day in the life of a Fiber Artist......

I wake up this morning giddy because today I get to share my daily quest of learning and growing as a fiber artist. Over the past few weeks I have been first thinking of an idea. A week ago I sat down and figured out the science and math, well I thought I figured it out! Oy was I wrong! But that's the fun part of working with fiber. It is a trail and error and a very rewarding journey.

I wanted to naturally dye cheese cloth for photography props. I see a lot of photos with this and wonder what is really in the dye that is being used. I looked up the most common dyes ingredients and this is a shocking revelation. THEY DO NOT LIST INGREDIANTS! So I am supposed to use a dye bought in a store with no knowledge of what I am using????? The only thing I saw on the label was CAUTION eye irritant harmful if swallowed! I left the box on the shelf and enjoyed a full day of online research to find a better, more natural, earth friendly, and safe way to dye.

Here are a few photos of my first process. Yes first, it takes me time to say I got it! I used a bundle of red grapes and peeled the skin off and set aside. I pre-washed my cheese cloth and set in a fixative bath for one hour so the dye from the skins would bond with the cloth. After the hour was up I then drained the fixative which is salt and water. Safe huh? Salt and water. Like boiling corn on the cob. I then set aside the cloth and simmered the skins for one hour. After straining the colored water from the skins I put the dye water back in the kettle for one hour with the cloth. I first let it cook for one hour, then turned off the stove and let it simmer.Hmmmm, do you think this first attempt worked???

Yep it is a pale pale purple! Back to the drawing board I go! After three different tries with three different matters a light bulb went off in my head and it was screaming at me " too much H20= dilution of color! Here is a photo of all three attempts! Birch bark, yellow wild flowers, and yes the grapes!

 

Those toes are yummy!

 Can you see the faint pale purple? Can you see the wild flower? Don't fret it is very pale! So back to the drawing board I go. I soon figured out that the soak bath only needs enough water to cover the cloth and matter being used:) I also wanted more yardage. I am now working with 36" and 3 yards. I have also chosen spinach for my next batch! I love this process of expanding. I wake up and work but it is hard to call my fiber and knitting work. I look forward to each day and what it can bring. 

My new potion is fixative bath, skip the boil of matter and instead boil the matter with the cloth to not dilute the color. Plus reduce the H2O!

Other news from Maes Creations is a scrumptious photo shoot with a adorable and very active 3 week old! I have been working on a few new patterns for the Photography Prop line and needed to test them out. Yep back to the math! I also for the very first time enjoyed knitting with roving from Jacobs sheep wool. With a pattern by Melody's Makings! Melody's Makings has pure and beautiful patterns that are for purchase. One thing special about Melody's Makings? She is happy for knitters and fiber enthusiasts like me to sell our garments we make with her patterns! I had the pleasure of messaging her a few times to see of she had certain patterns. She was quick with responding and always happy to lend advise and to help. Her approach of "we are a family of knitters" is  wonderful. Please take a moment to check out her sites and to browse her photo gallery!

www.melodys-makings.com {My Patterns are Always Listed at a Slighly Discounted Price on my Website} - www.etsy.com/shop/melodysmakings - http://www.ravelry.com/designers/melody-rogers - http://www.craftsy.com/user/542836/pattern-store

The pattern I used was the  Thick and Thin Gumball hat. Love the instructions sent with her e downloads. I was able to use her pattern and make it with a lil" Luv of flair! I added a indigo blue wooden button and blue silk ribbon in the pom pom. The sheep roving is all natural and organic. No dyes were used. Size knit is newborn. Head circumfernce is 13" with a 1' stretch. Hat can also be made with out ear flap ties and or wth out pom pom.

Look at his face! He is 3 weeks old and full of expressions!

Already playing with the ties. He loved looking out and never slept:)

A joy to photograph. Ready to Ship!

 

 His Momma fell in love with his Well Dressed Lil' Nugget Bow Tie! All items for the Photography Prop Line are available at www.sproutsbabyandtoddlerboutique.com. Launch date for the online shop is coming soon! This fun bow tie is a pattern by Laura Hassler owner of Maes Creations. Knit using Organic  certified chunky 100% cotton. The back has two button holes for adjustment and is adorned with a button. Neck circumference is 5.5" to 7".

 

 

Such a sweet boy to photograph here he is wearing the cheese cloth and  Well Dressed Lil' Nugget Bow Tie.

Pattern by Laura Hassler, Maes Creations  Well Dressed Lil' Nugget Bow Tie. Ready to ship.

Can we all say awwwwwe in unison?

 This new pattern I have designed is by special request from my daughter. She wanted me to work on a rugged newborn hat that screamed BOY! With out further delay here is the 100% certified organic rib stitch hat adorned with a moose burned coconut shell button. This rib hat can be made in all sizes and for boys and girls! The size here is 0 to 3 months. Head circumference is 12 with a two inch stretch. Fits up to 14.5" head circumference.

Lil' nugget gazing at his Momma.

 

 

Thank you so much for supporting me through my work. For experiencing my day with me and continuing to cheer me on! I am by no means a professional photography but I surely enjoy the time I spend with all these Lil' Luvs. Thank you to the moms and dads who let me into their homes to test out my patterns and for allowing their beautiful children on my site.