25 August 2017

Indigo dye experiment


 I have been using a recipe for making an indigo vat for years. Now all of a sudden the recipe was changed. I called the company and the woman who answered the phone said they wanted to make it weaker so you could do multiple dips. I wasn't interested in multiple dips so I continued to use the old recipe. Well, I lost it and called the company to see if they still had the old recipe. This time I talked to the head of the company who told me the recipe changed because they switched manufacturers and this "new" recipe went along with the new product which I had purchased. At least that made sense so I told her I would do a vat of indigo with the "new" recipe and see if it was similar.

I invited Marcella over to do a few dips and see how it preformed. This is what we did. I only took a few "before" pictures but they were interesting.



a rayon infinity scarf (PVC pipe) and piece of cotton sheeting (left back)




cotton sheeting on a ventilation  duct (my favorite thing)




another rayon infinity scarf (below)



a cotton handkerchief - just for kicks




Basket reed


Marcella's stash (before) blouse, scarf, cheese cloth in a ball.





Marcella hanging up some cheese cloth and below white clothing we dyed using various methods




silk haboti scarf






Did I mention indigo dyeing is addictive? We were at it for seven hours and the "new" recipe passed the test. We will have 3 vats going at the Maine Event.

10 comments:

  1. Wow! I've only dabbled in indigo when a friend of mine made a vat and suggested I dip a bit. I've never done it myself. Is this from Dharma? Or MAIWA? I'd be interested...

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    1. I bought the pre-reduced crystals from BOTH Dharma and ProChemical and Dye. Both are sourced from the same company. It is easy peasy and only has to sit and hour before you can use it. Buy the "kit".

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  2. What fun! and some great results!!

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    1. I couldn't even stand up by the end of the night (too much fun) and my hand hurt from arashi shibori - wrapping the cords!!! But the results were worth it and my hand is OK now (smile)

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  3. Wow, gorgeous in their own selves, but hanging up outdoors they are stunning!

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    Replies
    1. and this is why indigo is so addictive

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  4. I was gone on a trip and I have not seen this post before. I can not say more than you are really exceptional!

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