Sunday, April 20, 2014

The Perfect Fabric

Color Inspiration
There is a saying in Spanish "Para los gustos se hicieron los colores."  It loosely translates to "Colors were invented to satisfy different tastes."  Well, I love color; all colors.  In fact, I am hard pressed to name a favorite color. So, you would think that with all the fabric choices quilters have today, I could just select something off the bolt and be happy.  Wrong! Maybe it's the curse of a creative soul.  Regardless, I feel the need to create the perfect fabric - not just color - but also weight and weave. 


Home of Shady Tree Hand Dyed Fabrics
This is the first time I am dyeing fabric on a larger scale because I need enough fabric to make several dozen kits for The Kathy Dunigan Academy of Applique (February 3-8, 2015 - click on this link for info).  Fortunately, we have a huge avocado tree in the backyard that not only produces excellent fruit, but also provides a large shady area for us to work. 

Yes, us!  I had to rope Jim into helping me because fabric dyeing is a ton a work and definitely a labor of love.  Well, wouldn't you know it - Jim fell in love with the fabric dyeing process!!  I pick the colors/formulas and the weight/weave and he does all the work.  The first couple of dyeing sessions were so successful that Shady Tree Hand Dyes was born.  Right now, I have Jim busy creating the fabrics and embellishments I need for the TKDAA kits.  However, he is planning to continue to produce fabrics and ribbon and add colors and make them available for purchase.  Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.   

 Best stitches,

Mercy in sunny Miami sitting under the Shady Tree
First Batch for TKDAA kits

Yellows

Purples, Peaches, Neutrals


Pinks

Various Cottons



Silk Ribbons and Cording

High Candy Roses

1 comment:

  1. Wow... love your hubby's hand dyed fabrics... does he sell via Etsy or only make for you? Thanks! Kathi

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