SAQA Seminar - Unit 1
SAQA Seminar 2017 kicks off by exploring the wonderful world of dyeing. Whether you use natural dyes such as indigo or a full rainbow of synthetic dyes, there are just so many different ways to add color and design to fabric.
For additional inspiration, check out our curated Pinterest boards. For this unit, we've collected pins about using resists, tie dye techniques and beautiful images of dyed cloth.
Want to talk more about surface design with other SAQA members? Join our Facebook group and attend our live chats!
Week 1
Featured Content
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In this exclusive article just for SAQA Seminar, Melanie Testa explains her process of selecting colors when creating her custom printed fabrics. |
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Video Conversation with Carol Anne Grotrian Carol Anne Grotrian joins us for Unit 1: Dye and explains her unique process of creating whole cloth pictorial quilts using shibori, indigo and dye. Also included is a great list of books and other resources. |
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This unit's gallery includes stunning examples of art quilts incorporating dyed fabrics. These 15 artworks are created by SAQA's Juried Artist Members - be sure to click through to view their profiles. |
History and Culture
Strand of Silk has an excellent collection of articles about textile techniques from India. They are are linked as part of their Journey Map. Related specifically to dyeing, this article about bandhani is particularly interesting.
The mighty cochineal bug has created bright, colorfast dye for hundreds of years all over the world. This interesting article highlights some of its uses including images of the people recreating the dye process in Colonial Williamsburg.
Artist Rushyan Yen received a Thomas J. Watson Travel Fellowship to study batik in eleven different countries. Read her fascinating blog.
Tutorials, Blog Posts and other Inspiring Links
Lynda Heines has an amazing collection of tutorials on her blog including ice dyeing, parfait dyeing, low immersion dyeing and more.
Check out Lisa Walton’s short, peppy video including images of ice-dyed fabrics and in-progress shots of creating a pieced quilt with the dynamic fabrics.
Deborah Babin’s tutorial “dyeing with procion dyes and a microwave oven” includes step-by-step instructions for this quick method for fabric dyeing.
Dianne Giancola joins Pokey Bolton in this excellent segment from Quilting Arts TV highlighting three different shibori techniques.
Featured Content
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Wrap & Rust Dyeing - Maggie Vanderweit Want to learn more about rust and eco-dyeing? Then check out this article by artist Maggie Vanderweit. She provides great information and tips about these fun dyeing techniques. |
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Video Conversation with Hollis Chatelain Hollis Chatelain joins us for Unit 1: Dye and explains her process of creating beautiful dye-painted artworks. See more of her work at hollisart.com. |
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SAQA Seminar Gallery - Member Images We already knew this fun fact but SAQA members are making beautiful artwork and fabrics using surface design. We've compiled images shared with us on the facebook group |
History and Culture
This short video from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London a profile of a family of expert indigo dyers from India.
The World Shibori Network has several excellent resources including this article that highlights the different tools and techniques used in traditional shibori.
Fabric dying practices around the world pose an enormous risk to water supply. Several companies are exploring ways to use less water — or even no water at all. Read more >
Tutorials, Blog Posts and other Inspiring Links
Frankie Magazine offers a beautifully photographed tutorial for eco-dying.
Susan Purney Mark uses cold water fiber reactive dyes to create beautiful color gradations in this excellent video.
Mary Marlowe Leverette has a great series of articles on how to create color with plants. Check it out if you are interested in natural dyeing.
Candy Glendening also uses fiber reactive dyes and highlights their earth-friendly benefits in this tutorial.
You just can’t beat this comprehensive, honest, nitty-gritty dying tutorial from Melody Johnson.
Elizabeth Michellod-Dutheil has some great videos on dyeing and rusting.
Book Recommendations
* indicates that author is SAQA member
 Color by Accident: Low-Water Immersion Dyeingby Ann Johnston * A great book for people who want to learn to dye fabric. Easy instructions result in lots of different possible combinations. Since it’s a spiral bound book, it’s easy to keep open while you learn. |
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Another great spiral bound book using thickened dye and many tools and techniques.
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A thorough instructional book with easy to follow instructions. An easy read with lots of possibilities. |
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The world known expert on Shibori on silk. She explains how to manipulate fabric to make marks and/or pleats while dyeing silk. Brito is world known for her Shibori work.
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If you’re going to dye cloth, you may want to consider resists. This comprehensive guide to water-based resist dyeing techniques makes the process easy to learn. Create dimensional effects with ingredients like oatmeal, sugar, and soy wax for endless possibilities.
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| More book recommendations from Carol Anne Grotrian |
Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Dyeing: Create Colorful Fabric for Quilts, Crafts & Wearables
