Pam's Dyeing Day

We are very lucky, as members of the Launceston Textile Hub, that every summer, Pam Statton hosts a dyeing day at her farm in Relbia. Pam has been a Guild member for several decades, has mastered many skills, but remains curious about exploring new approaches.

This year there were two techniques to try. As for all good things, the hosting of this requires: Planning, Set Up, Execution and Clean Up. Pam must have spent the whole week organising the shed so we could swan on in and take part in:

1. Decolouration Dyeing and

2. Ice Dyeing.

   
   

Of course, you can learn about these things online, but there is nothing quite like a real-world experience. Each of us receive the same brief and demonstration, but the magic is in the interpretation.

Jan created stencils of pears, applied decolouration paste, bleached the fabric then touched up with paint.

When we work alongside each other, we share our skills, techniques, methods and ideas.

Here are two stencils. Annie cut hers in freezer paper so it could be stuck to the fabric and prevent bleeding. I used some old plastic transparency and sprayed the back with fabric glue, leaving it to set and become tacky overnight.

To remove the colour, we used the deColourant paste rather than bleach because it kinder to the fabric and easier to control.

The deColourant is dabbed onto the exposed fabric and left to dry. Once dry, the treated area is ironed and the removal of the colour occurs. Unlike bleach, which will continue to break down the fabric, deColourant stops acting on the fabric after ironing and can be easily washed out.

Pam demonstrating the application of deColourant to leaves to be printed.

Leaves can be positioned on the fabric. Notice the cardboard inside the teeshirt. This stops the paste from leaking through to the back of the shirt.

Dorte sporting a mask to avoid inhaling the deColourant fumes. We all worked in an open breezy space and wore gloves for the process too.

Young Scarlett enjoyed using stencils to embellish her teeshirt.

Pam sent us through a list of equipment we'd need for our ice dyeing. Each piece of fabric was soaked in a solution of water and washing soda, placed on a rack then loaded with ice. Upon this, dyes were sprinkled. As the ice melts, the dye is taken up by the fabric in differing concentrations. We had to wait overnight to see the results and I have not yet been able to take images.

Ice dyeing with a single colour.

Ice dyeing with multiple colours.

On behalf of all of us who partook in the dyeing day, I would like to express a truckload of thanks to Pam and her inclination to try out new and wonderful techniques. Here is a picture of her looking fabulous in the 80s. She is modelling a jumper made from her weaving. This was at the first Spinning Retreat in Campbell Town.

Next time you see her, ask Pam why she is wearing the jumper over her nightie.