For the past several years my small quilt group, The Scrapbag Quilt Artists, that meets Fridays at members homes, has a challenge that is exhibited at local libraries. Last year our challenge ,
Seeing Red, was a great success and well received by our audiences. This year we are again doing a color challenge, only our second. The title is Gray Plus One. We must use only grays (no black or white) and one color. I know what I'm going to do and I'll share it when it's done, but for now I am dyeing my grays. The first two came out very blotchy. Although I like a textured look, some of this was too much. I'm not sure how much of those I will use in the quilt. Notice the subtle differences in the different grays.
All of these were done with Procion MX Reactive Dyes. This is Deep Black #609, light to dark gradation. I think this is a very neutral gray, but when rinsing it out the rinse water looked aubergine.
This is Nickel #6003. This has a slight green tinge to it, not showing in this photo, yet the powder looked quite reddish.
This is Deep Black again, but using half strength and massaging the fabric more to get a less blotchy look. It still has nice texture.
This is Pewter #6228. I've had this dye for a few years, so I used a little more than I normally would.
All of these were done with Procion MX Reactive Dyes. This is Deep Black #609, light to dark gradation. I think this is a very neutral gray, but when rinsing it out the rinse water looked aubergine.
This is Nickel #6003. This has a slight green tinge to it, not showing in this photo, yet the powder looked quite reddish.
This is Deep Black again, but using half strength and massaging the fabric more to get a less blotchy look. It still has nice texture.
This is Pewter #6228. I've had this dye for a few years, so I used a little more than I normally would.
8 comments:
What an intriguing challenge! Can't wait to see what you make; the colors look gorgeous.
You have some great shades of gray!! It will be great to see what you come up with!
I sure like those grays Norma...
the challenge should be great. What a nifty idea.
I will be happy to see what you do...
I'm impressed with the variety of grays that you were able to produce. The challenge should be very interesting.
I like the one a year idea too. I think our group does too many (2-3) and one gets a bit weary of them.
Go Gray!
I love all of those greys, but nickel is my favorite.
It's interesting to mix'em, too.
Those grays are great. True Gray is a very hard color to find for quilters and thanks for naming the dyes.
Norma, your dying results are fabulous. I love all the shades of grey, they are very hard to purchase at fabric stores.
Love the grays. That's one color I have to try. I always forget to do black by itself, I usually go for the saturated colors, or add some black to them. Looking forward to see your challenge.
Susan Schweikhart
www.susanschweikhart.blogspot.com
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