the day began with the promise of blue…
as I readied to teach a class of eight
dyeing with indigo here at Long Ridge
last weekend
through the morning students learned
how to make the indigo stock and prepare
for dyeing.
then the gloves went on,
vats got adjusted,
and the dipping was copious,
from yarns to fabric to clothing.
from yarns to fabric to clothing.
Anne dipped while Rita ran the timer.
one of the perks of smart phones…a stopwatch
Rita decided to dip a strand of hair.
it’s protein afterall.
and yes it took the blue.
Luna, as usual, was in heaven
under the dye tables with
a group of happy students
a thunderstorm came up rather quickly and
after a mad dash to move tables, dye vats and dyed
fibers under cover, the dyeing resumed.
the blues acheived were breathtaking.
teacher and students most happy
this piece of fabric was in early stages
of multiple dips for intentional
areas of saturation
there was lots of discussion as work
progressed through dips
and in the garden my indigo has sprouted
and is doing quite well. It had a late
start getting planting due to the excess rain this spring
but I will get one harvest, for certain.
and it’s a good learning experience
before planting a larger area next year.
and the woad is looking great as well
I am not thinning too much
as it doesn’t mind a bit of squeeze play.
the blues are thriving here on the farm!
