I am starting a bon;us program - if you spend more than $40 at one time, you qualify to choose a bonus item from this page (also on menu to left.)

Someone asked about my "Mammy" cloths, so inspired me to finish this one, my largest.  Just a little more screen printing ink...

before I start dyeing for the holidays with their richer and deeper hues, I want to get a few summery things dyed - the one on the left of the clothesline has a few streaks, so it will probably be dyed a deeper color like marigold for autumn.


Below is a large embroidered cloth I have had for a while, and found napkins - exquisitely embroidered - to match - now, what color?  I'm thinking some tint of blue - perhaps robins egg or seafoam - something soft to showcase the embroidery.  or maybe a buttery yellow - but do I use yellow too much.

I've been sidelined the last couple weeks preparing for this store opening in Lompoc.  It's a consignment shop, and works for me in that I can showcase what I do, and sell some less expensive projects.

As you can see, my spot has a little bit of everything - small items or ones not worth listing online, because of fees and photos  etc etc, but are perfect for small town shopping.  I have aprons, lingerie, a few tablecloths, children's and other clothing.

These vintage reversible blankets (this one wool) are really charming, especially with a 20's print like this one.  Mama duck with an umbrella or parasol pushing a stroller with her other duckling hurrying to keep up.

DYE NOTES:  I used Procion MX fiber reactive dye, Sky Blue, instead of the usual acid dye for wool.  I did not want to risk felting the wool with high temperatures, but still wanted a predictable color.  Since this blue is a pure, unmixed color, I can be sure of the results. Otherwise when dyeing silk or wool with cold water dyes, the color will "shift" to an unexpected hue.
The blue overdyed the orange to an interesting secondary tone of aubergine.

It's really satisfying to see the colors on the line...

Here are painted portions of a few dyed tablecloths

I thought Alaska could handle this bright yellow as much as California - with their 24 hour days 'n all.  This Alaska cloth is a reproduction, not true vintage.

Just a few more this morning, and I will have done them all - about 2 dozen.  I used the "tint" of the colors, which in vat dyeing just means you use more water, controlling the dye to liquor ratio.  Did someone say liquour?

Anyway, I learned more about Dharma dye colors.  For instance Yucca dilutes to Seafoam and Mink makes a very nice sepia.  Yucca and Palomino become a suitable  desert green. Adding a little Hot Pink to Mink makes a dusty rose, or Rose Dust (2010 Pantone color) - there used to be a color called Ashes of Roses, probably with a cooler gray tone.