Morning tea

getting a little bit of stitching done...

Mandala

Girlfriend day was awesome last week.  Sue showed us how to fold and ice dye fabric mandalas:

I took it a step further and played with silk.

I am in love! Must buy more silk...

MOF / ready for quilting

My men of faith quilt is pinned and ready for quilting.  The group wants to get together at the end of October for potluck and quilt viewing.  I can't be the only one not done!  Right now is not a good time to spend a few days quilting, but by the first of October I will find the time! I promise!

Stitching / morning tea

At the advice of a very wise friend, I should be stitching every day.  My goal is 15 minutes with tea in the morning.  I haven't been so faithful the past few weeks, but do manage to play a little.

natural dye / second batch of willow

I did a second batch of willow leaves.  The colour is so beautiful and I wanted to be sure to have enough for the quilt I am making.  We are leaving for a 2 week trip on Saturday, and I am sure there will be no willow leaves left for me when I return. Use iron mordant for this beautiful colour.

natural dye / walnut hulls

Easiest dye in the world... throw 12 walnuts into the water. bring to boil and simmer for an hour or so.  Add fabric. simmer a while.  Let set overnight. Rinse.

natural dyes / berry potluck

I really want to dye a piece of fabric purple. I gathered up everything I could find in the yard that was in that colour family. Everything went into the pot together:

grapes
pokeberries
elderberries
blue berries
black beans
hibiscus
hibiscus tea bags
grape juice (in the freezer since 2013?)

I really need to remember to wear gloves!

The colour is lovely on both pieces of fabric I dyed, but not very purple... Plus I have read that most of what I use is fugitive... probably won't last long.  But - I did have fun!

ps..  I used iron mordant