For the scarf making workshop, I had two different
techniques to demonstrate. The first technique
involves using a water soluble resist. Small squeeze
bottles are filled with the resist and are piped onto
the scarf. Designs can be drawn freehand, or they
can be traced by from a template laid underneath the
scarf.
The dye is either applied using a squeeze bottle or with
a sponge brush.
The dye we use is an instant setting dye called Colorhue.
Three words: Easy, peasey, lemon squeezie. Once the
scarves have dried and the dye has set, they are just
washed out with color water. Instant gratification.
The second method we used was a Shibori inspired
tie dye method. Small and large pinches of fabric were
tied off with string (okay, dental floss). I found that
slip knots were wonderful for this. For children who
struggle with making the knot, I whipped a pile of
little knots that were ready to go.
With a bit of dexterity and lots of knots, the scarf
becomes a little, lovely sea cucumber. I found this
process to be very meditative and relaxing. With the
scarf prepped the play begins.
Colors are dropped onto the scarf. This is play, pure
and simple. No over thinking and just the barest bit
of a plan.
Once you're done adding color, it just rests and you
wonder what it will look like when you undo all of
those knots.
And then, you open your scarf like a Chirstmas gift.
Everyone is different, everyone is beautiful.
This method is infectious, like pistachios. You can't
just make one.
