There’s no arguing that persistence is one of the jewels in our proverbial bag of tricks. But there are definitely times when there’s more to be gained from allowing yourself to switch gears, especially in the face of a wall that, for the moment, seems insurmountable.
In Process ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
I have been struggling with too many false starts on this piece over the past couple of weeks, spending as much time taking stitches out as I have putting them in. While I am loving the colors and the swoop of the pattern as it rises and falls through the layers, I am having a heck of a hard time taking it to the next level. So it’s going up on my wall where I can live with it, allowing time and distance to work their magic. Having put it aside, I’m on to something completely new to give my brain an airing out, making for a nice change this week.
Stitching guidelines marked on raw silk
Stitching, stitching, & more stitching
Just slightly pulling the threads begins to reveal a beautiful pattern.
Although this form of shibori is named “mokume”, meaning ‘wood grain’, it also reminds me of Ansel Adams’ photographs of sand dunes.
Soaking the fabric in water allows me to pull the threads all the tighter.
The first application of dye
A mixture of red, brown and eggplant. I have to be careful that the dye gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Since this type of dye only adheres to protein fibers (i.e. silk, wool, etc), it doesn’t affect the cotton thread, which is a cellulose fiber. This makes it much easier to find the tight knots and to snip them without nicking the fabric.
Removing all the threads reveals this incredible pattern. It still takes my breath away each time.
And now to get begin the next stage…
Thanks for showing us the process…and the result. I’m not sure that others realize the amount of work that precedes the work….What a gorgeous beginning! I’m already looking forward to seeing where you take this piece…and also how you resolve the one that’s resting on the wall.
I’m looking forward to the next steps in the days ahead. And a happy result of switching gears is a fresh batch of ideas come flowing in. Not so much for the poor piece on the wall – but I trust that will sort itself out with time.
…and it takes my breath away too! Wow….it’s amazing to see how the early steps lead to the current status of this new piece. Each one must be a wonderful surprise for you as the stitches come out…
Exactly – I love that there’s always an element of unpredictability.
Wow… the result is stunning. The deep, burgundy red is rich and the repetitive patterns are beautiful.
And the best part is that while there is an element of control, there are always surprises.
I’m mesmerized…..incredible!
Thanks Margaret…
I love seeing the process. I have been doing some of this mokume with indigo.I love making the stitches. I didn’t know that wetting the fabric made it easier to pull the stitches. Great info.
Fantastic !
I’ll look forward to seeing what you come up with Judy
Now, after looking at your gallery, I see how you have created this pattern/texture. So impressive!
It is really so much easier to explain with pictures!