Nope.

In response to Shiborigirl’s challenge to try to figure out or replicate this pattern, I decided to start simple.

Rows spaced half an inch apart, half inch stitches, off set each row by half an inch. I knew looking at the original fabric this wouldn’t get the same pattern- but it could be a jumping off point. About 3/4 of the way down the fabric- trying to sketch the stitch lines and lining up quilting rulers to make sure the off set was correct (and frequently winding up with wonky lines) it occurred to me that drawing an actual grid would have been a helluva lot easier.

So would have been doing this without trying to watch Deadliest Catch at the same time.

Anyhoo, onward we go.

Started with this (stitched ever so carefully on the bus yesterday)

Pulled the strings tight.
Then immersion dyed in dark green mx dye bath, probably swishing too much,

and got this

Clearly, not what it was supposed to be.

Things I know:

I need better thread. I’ve been using nylon coats and clark thread for the silk tying. But it is not thick enough for using with this fabric I don’t think. Or maybe I just need something less slippery. I had a hard time tying the threads tight enough to get clear resist. In digging through a box of samples that I’d done, I realized I had tried this technique a few years ago- before I really started getting into dyeing. I had used a heavier weight “thread of unknown origin” that had been in my grandmothers stash of sewing/craft supplies. It was the perfect weight for that- there were threads still in there, and I remember the cone it was on. I also remember chucking it when the basement flooded 2 years ago.

I think I over swished (agitated) in the dye bath.

Not entirely sure that original fabric did get immersed. Not even sure it was mokume.

So I will think about this some more and try again on the weekend, after I get the veggies in the garden.

And I will chuck that green dye stock, it seems shot anyways, and it’s a really icky color.

Categories: flickr, shibori
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Keep in mind that I HATE tedious handwork.

I usually throw down cross stitch in disgust, toss knitting across the room and commit similar semi violent actions again innocent crafting projects.

Which is why I’m surprise I actually stuck with this one, to the distress of my shoulder, neck and eyes (from stitching white on white and then picking out the dyed stitches.)

Here it is- my first foray in to both Mokume AND using lanaset dyes. Not too shabby for a first shot.

Photos of completely unpicked scarf to come. I suspect I’ll be  pulling stitches out on the train for the next few days.

Categories: Uncategorized
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I am so excited!

I was tempted to ignore the Google Alert I got on  “teegee” since usually, it’s just referring to an indie gamer somewhere. 

But today I looked,  and this scarf is featured

in an article, (a brief one) about Batik. 

Thanks to the folks at  Threadbanger for the plug!

Categories: Uncategorized
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Tomorrow, the founders will be on the Martha Stewart show, preaching the gospel of Etsy. It will be interesting to see what kind of publicity it brings the site. It is slowly but surely inching out into the mainstream. There have been mentions and etsy artists on Martha’s show before. Rachel Ray has also talked about Etsy as well.

In anticipaton of the show and in honor of Etsy Hussy girlsavage having her lovable creations being mentioned, the Hussies of Etsy have banded together. We are offering promotions and sales, snagging treasuries right and left to let Martha and her fans know that we think she’s HAWT. And now, an honorary Hussy.

How do you get to be a hussy? There are no requirements other than a (tawdry) sense of humor, the gift of gab, and make room on the big red couch for the next hussy to walk in the door. We are a group of gals (and a few guys) spread over the country who enjoy making each other laugh, holding each other up during the yucky days …..and always on call to hide the bodies of those who cross our fellow hussies when necessary.

So here’s to the Hussies!

CharmingDarling, Raven, Yobo, Ebon, Pandys, HerMajesty, Lynnette, Pink, Abitabite, Sue, Keys, KJ, JLyn, Gini, Avionmaille, KJMart, Stoney,

and of course the Queen of Trollbies and other vintage goodies!

Ms. KarmaRox !!!!!!!!!!!!

For more about Etsy, and some of my favorite artists, click on the Etsy Artisans tab above. If you have no idea “what is this etsy you speak of”…my ode to etsy is here.

Categories: Featured Artist, Uncategorized
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A few years ago, I got the itch to do a little origami with the kids.  Washi papers are just gorgeous, and lovely to fold, or even just to look at.

After a while I thought it would be neat to try to make some ornaments out of the cranes we were doing, but wasn’t sure the paper would hold up.  So I went through the exploding fabric stash looking for the Japanese fabrics I knew I had and started folding that. The fabric by itself wont hold the folds, but with a little fabric stiffener it works beautifully.

We gave our flocks of cranes away, stung on string and each with a little bead, for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts.  They were a hit, so I just kept on going.

I’ve been experimenting a bit using my own hand dyed fabrics, but that isn’t going as well.  The cottons I did last summer are too thick, and there needs to be a little more experimentation on the silk stiffener.  Too much and you lose the sheen and inherent qualities of the silk, too little and it’s just floppy.

But in the meantime, here are a few of the cranes that have been done for a while.

This next one is actually not a Japanese print.  It was a butterfly fabric from Hoffman, for he Hoffman challenge a few years ago.  I bout it specifically for the origami.

Categories: origami
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