Dyeing Workshop with Catherine Jordan

A small group of stitchers from Gentle Pursuits and the Virginia Guild of Needlewomen, and a couple of guests, learned how to use Cushing Direct Dyes to overdye threads, linen, and silk. As well as overdying various shades of Anchor and DMC threads, we had linen and silk fabric, ribbon, and chenille thread. We also had a chance to use cutch dye, alone or in combination with the Cushing Dyes.  Catherine did a great job and we had hours of fun.  You can get the same dyes and fabrics from Catherine's website if you want to try it at home.

First we tried the Cushing Dyes.

Catherine had cards showing other natural dyes.  Who knew the dirt around here could be used to make nice fabric colors instead of just making it hard to clean the kids' laundry.

 The cutch was simmering on the stove so we had to be careful when using it.

 I'm sure you haven't though of using your rice steamer to heat set dyes.  Catherine uses this only for dying - no rice is cooked in this!

Lots of color fun creating dyed fabrics.

Here is a small selection of some of the overdyed threads.

February Kumihimo Bracelet

Linda DaValle did a great February program on making Kumihimo braids. She designed bracelets for us to make.  By the end of the evening several people already had bracelets. We all had lots of fun.

The Coif is Home at Last.

On Saturday, February 15 we finally presented the finished polychrome coif to Agecroft Hall. It has been fun working on it over the last 3 years, but now it is ready to be part of the interpretive program at Agecroft.  First it will be on exhibit with the other coifs held in the Agecroft collection.  Be sure to go and see the coif and of course Agecroft Hall.

Here is the Saturday turnover with Gentle Pursuits members and two Agecroft representatives.

And here is one of the professional photographs taken on the head form Agecroft Hall had ready for the coif.

Next up, a blackwork coif for another interpreter!

Stitch in Public - Today - February 1

Hope to see you at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts café, where members of Gentle Pursuits will be stitching on all sorts of lovely things to encourage people to learn more about embroidery. We'll have the coif there if you want to see it before it goes to Agecroft Hall.

We'll be stitching until 1 pm.