Softly, slowly ...

I have a small confession to make ... ssshh - don't tell anyone ok? I think I have a teeny crush on India Flint right now. As I make my way slowly (and deliciously) through her lovely book ,

 I am gob-smacked by her historical knowledge on the subject of dyeing. I am thrown into a tizzy by her botanical brain and my eyes grow rounder with each page, marveling at the beautiful colours and prints she makes. Her approach is organic, regional, patient and with a view to creating the most minimal impact on the environment possible. I really like that approach.

Beetroot leaf on reclaimed cotton

 I tried my hand at the simplest form of printing described in the book.  The other processes take a little preparation, a little fore-thought and a little patience. I'm working my way up to those.

rocket on reclaimed linen

The colours produced are beautiful and harmonic - no doubt because they are natural and when left to its own devices Nature has a habit of being harmonious ...

I decided I needed a specific journal to record my dyeing adventures. I made some prints with a geranium leaf and a leaf from our Robinia Robusta fledgling hedge. The script background id from a mans cotton shirt that turned out to be too small for the ManBeast so rather than take it back, I cut it up. (have to be honest and say that I wasn't severely disappointed that it was the wrong size.) I tea dyed that piece and stitched it to some calico then added the decorative elements.

 In keeping with India's apparent attitude of taking things slowly and gently, I hand stitched all the elements and also the cover. I haven't done that sort of thing in a very long time.I  felt like I had imbued the journal with more of my 'self' than I might have if I had used the sewing machine.

 The crush adventure continues.