MILI JOHN THARAKAN
NEOCRAFT
Dyeing Techniques
Rust dyeing
Rust from metal piece
Rust from a perforrated metal strip
Rust metal pieces were used to dye or 'stain' fabrics. Rust patterns from the metal would transfer onto the fabric creating patterns and gradations. I love this technique because of its unpredictable results and simplicity of technique.
These are results from a NUNO workshop attended where techniques such as rust dyeing, burn-out, embroidery on soluble fabric and heat setting techniques were explored.
Natural dyeing
Hot dye bath
Hot bath - Cotton, silk, wool, linen and wool yarn
Hot bath - wool fabric and yarn
Natural dyeing exploration with plants such as birch, aspen, red and yellow onion skin, lichen and turmeric used to dye cotton, silk, wool and linen fabric.
Simple natural dye recipes were used to create a range of colours,
It was very interesting to use local and seasonal plants of Sweden to dye fabric. The results were surprising and definitely called for further exploration with more detailed recipes to get better colours and colour fastness.
Seasons and regions playing an important factor in the colours available at a particular time of the year and the colours achieved while dyeing. This as a new and inspiring perspective to think about for me.
Batik
Batik is a technique that gives you very little time to think or make mistakes. It is a wax resist dyeing craft still widely practised in Malaysia and Indonesia. Hand drawn as well as block printed batiks are seen commonly here. I had the opportunity to spend time in Malaysia and visit batik centre where I learned this technique.
I enjoy batik because you are required to work fast and its is like doing watercolours on fabric. There is also an element of unpredictability in the techniques as you draw with the melted wax and paint in the colours. I have done batik scarves and garments, more of these images will be updated soon.