Monday, May 10, 2010

a blessing in my dyepots

when I opened this bundle, I got goosebumps. I still look at it in short glances.
it is a long piece of heavy cotton. there were copper pipes in there and rusty scraps of metal
another one with coins
twice folden, thrice dyed
coreopsis. many more to come
the sig vat, rug yarn- I like this so much, my mind is turning to weaving
these are strips tied with rusty stuff and left in the remnants of dyebaths, pomegranate, onionskins
pile of rags, poppy iceflower in the back
indigo. cotton sheet. many dips. my firdt!I am so grateful

15 comments:

Jasmine said...

Beautiful! You have been working very hard. Good to see that your efforts are rewarded xJ

Manya Maratou said...

thanks jasmine. I do seem to have an obsessive-compulsive streak
but it is such an enjoyment!

Ladka said...

You create such a wealth of colours, designs, you use so many techniques. So you made a good old sig vat too!
May I ask (since English is not my mother language either) whether rug yarn is so called cause it is coarse fibres and loosely - or tight spun, and used primarily to make rugs?

Manya Maratou said...

hello ladka, thanks!
the ideas spin in my head until I get dizzy, and the sun is hot, and it is a pleasure to work outside, and things are fermenting, soaking, getting toasted- also there is such an abundance of dyeplants that I feel they are singing to me like sirens!!!!
any day now they will start shearing the sheep.....then I will need more hours in the day
or to prioritise :-(
the yarn is spun industrially from native sheep, karagouniko breed, and sold chiefly to weavers
it is too rough to make wearables for todays people, though up to a few years ago it was the only wool available for clothing, blankets and rugs. nowadays the shepherds throw the fleeces away
there is only one shop that Iknow of that sells this yarn, and it is quite cheap, 12 euros a kilo
right now my son is the interested weaver in this house and he prefers my dyed yarns (proud mom speaking) it will take him years to use up the wool, he makes little stuff, he is a little guy
greetings!

Martine said...

Manya you got so beautiful results with your dying. And you're a happy woman having such a son.
XXXm

Nat Palaskas said...

Hi Manya, I'm your classmate at cloth to cloth and I'm also greek by marriage. I'm intrigued with the method of your dyeing.
Thanks for sharing and look forward to see you on cloth to cloth - Hugs Natima

Manya Maratou said...

martine, thanks. and yes, both boys are a blessing
hi there Natima, pleased to meet you too!!

Anonymous said...

I have goose bumps on your behalf...these pieces are amazing. I especially love the top three. Makes me want to try my hand at dyeing...Oh!!!no...I have so many projects already :) I will read further and see what I need to get the effects in your top four pieces.
I have a lot of yard waste as I live in the woods...This is so exciting.
I am loving cloth to cloth...so much amazing talent :)

jude said...

oh wow, i am grateful too!

Harnett-Hargrove said...

We think, we ponder, we work, we plan ... and we are still surprised! glorious! -J

Joei Rhode Island said...

Manya...these are fantastic! Your new banner is perfect. The metal and the copper played well together.

Traci W. said...

Hi Manya. I'm another classmate from cloth to cloth. I LOVE those first three! They are just amazing. You must be so proud. :) Just a thought, but I think you should consider making more and selling them. I know I would buy some. XD
Traci

Manya Maratou said...

Hello Jayne, yes, that is the beauty of bundles

Joei hithere playing is what it is all about, no?

Hello Traci, welcome. I'm considering. but I'm waiting till I have something good enough to sell. If it is plant dyed for use in crafts etc I'd want it to be reasonably washfast. I'm getting there... thanks for your supportive comment!

dorie said...

Amazing, such a great result! I'am planning to work with cotton&linnen this summer, working with the materials I have alreade for years stored. Did you waited long before you had opened the bundles? That's my weakest point, sitting on my fingers...

Velma Bolyard said...

great dyeing. totally wonderful.

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