March 2009 |
We've had our coldest winter here for
many years. At the moment the weather is just wet and windy, but last
month saw huge falls
of snow, very low night-time temperatures and icy streams. Pictures below.
As luck would have it, I was up in Yorkshire when the snow fell so deeply
down here. |
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I have been continuing with my historical
research work on natural dyes, which is very time-consuming.. But
I have been managing to find some hours to dye
with the indigo (Polygonum Tinctoria) I grew in the garden last summer.
What was left over from fresh dyeing last August and September went into
a large container and has been
brewing
up
all
winter. It reduced to a beautiful colour (see blue shawl on the right).
The work in the photos is handwoven Indian silk. |
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I am using natural dye extracts along with my own indigo. These are made by Couleurs de Plantes, Pure Tinctoria and Earthues. I am mordanting with alum and cream of tartar. I have been accepted to show in The Market at Art in Action in July. |
Speedy Those who followed my brother's voyage around the North West Passage last year will have benefited from the talent, diligence, intelligence and wit of David Speed who ran the Berri website. I'm really sad to say that David died suddenly on February 18th. He went much too soon. You can read my brother's tribute here. |