Hi Louise – would a leaf which I’ve picked now in spring and that’s been dried and used later have the “same” kind of Tannin strength than an actual dried or fresh autumnal leaf?? Or is it two different pair of shoes? thanks 🙂
Hi Antje, if you picked it in spring it will have a low level of tannins. The tannins develop while the leaves are still on the tree, so you’ll have to wait til summer/autumn to be able to pick leaves that have higher levels of tannins. (This is for deciduous leaves of course, I don’t thinks evergreen trees have strong seasonal variations)
Hi Louise, These tops are great! I was wondering how did you bundle the 3 tops in the first photo? Did you use the method you used in the previous lesson? Thanks!
Hi Pascale, yes I did a similar method except instead of covering half with leaves then folding the other half on top (shich creates a symmetrical print on one side of the fabric, and no print on the other side of the fabric), I covered the whole front of the top with leaves and rolled it up. In the rolling process, the back of the top makes contact with the leaves too. So you end up with leaf prints on both sides of the top, and no symmetrical print. Hope that makes sense, it is harder to put into words than to demonstrate!
Hello Louise. When you use leaves with a high tannin content such as eucalyptus, do you also put the fabric in the iron clamp? And do you always put this type of leaves in water beforehand?
I usually do still use the iron with eucalyptus, because it helps create stronger, darker prints. But sometimes I prepare the fabric with a soy milk binder and then don’t use the iron. If I am dipping leaves in iron, I often use fresh leaves. And if I am using fabric soaked in iron mordant, I use leaves that I’ve soaked in water for a few weeks because it gives better results with less bleeding. Hope that all makes sense – there are a lot of different methods and a lot of variables!
Do you always roll bundles or is it sometimes better to fold them and put them in between something like tiles or sheets of metal? I am having trouble getting clear prints and there are some folds I’m not wanting within the prints of leaves and things that are bumming me out! I guess that is what experimentation is for! Love love love the piece with all of the different kinds of leaves. So nice to see such variety and also color variety.
Hi Amanda, yes folding and pressing between ceramic tiles is a great way to get clearer prints. Sometimes I’ll put leaves on the top, then extra fabric around it, and then fold it up to prevent bleed through or symmetrical prints. Yes experimentation is definitely key, and you will develop your own style and preferences over time!
17 Comments
These look beautiful. What did you use in the dye bath in the final piece to get those lovely dark colours? Thanks
I think that was eucalyptus bark and iron – that’s my go to for dark greys.
That last one elicited a gasp of delight from me!
Aww thanks, I’m glad I added these photos in.
such beautiful garments and great advice! 🙂
Hi Louise – would a leaf which I’ve picked now in spring and that’s been dried and used later have the “same” kind of Tannin strength than an actual dried or fresh autumnal leaf?? Or is it two different pair of shoes? thanks 🙂
Hi Antje, if you picked it in spring it will have a low level of tannins. The tannins develop while the leaves are still on the tree, so you’ll have to wait til summer/autumn to be able to pick leaves that have higher levels of tannins. (This is for deciduous leaves of course, I don’t thinks evergreen trees have strong seasonal variations)
thanks a lot Louise! 🙂
Hi Louise,
These tops are great! I was wondering how did you bundle the 3 tops in the first photo? Did you use the method you used in the previous lesson?
Thanks!
Hi Pascale, yes I did a similar method except instead of covering half with leaves then folding the other half on top (shich creates a symmetrical print on one side of the fabric, and no print on the other side of the fabric), I covered the whole front of the top with leaves and rolled it up. In the rolling process, the back of the top makes contact with the leaves too. So you end up with leaf prints on both sides of the top, and no symmetrical print. Hope that makes sense, it is harder to put into words than to demonstrate!
I love these! They are so beautiful. I’m going to be trying some clothing for sure.
Shari
Olá Louise. Quando utiliza folhas com alto teor de taninos como o eucalipto, também põe o tecido previamento no mordente de ferro? E coloca sempre este tipo de folhas previamente em água?
Hello Louise. When you use leaves with a high tannin content such as eucalyptus, do you also put the fabric in the iron clamp? And do you always put this type of leaves in water beforehand?
I usually do still use the iron with eucalyptus, because it helps create stronger, darker prints. But sometimes I prepare the fabric with a soy milk binder and then don’t use the iron. If I am dipping leaves in iron, I often use fresh leaves. And if I am using fabric soaked in iron mordant, I use leaves that I’ve soaked in water for a few weeks because it gives better results with less bleeding. Hope that all makes sense – there are a lot of different methods and a lot of variables!
Thank you for the wonderful notes! These tops you have dyed are gorgeous!! So lovely to learn from you!
Do you always roll bundles or is it sometimes better to fold them and put them in between something like tiles or sheets of metal? I am having trouble getting clear prints and there are some folds I’m not wanting within the prints of leaves and things that are bumming me out! I guess that is what experimentation is for! Love love love the piece with all of the different kinds of leaves. So nice to see such variety and also color variety.
Hi Amanda, yes folding and pressing between ceramic tiles is a great way to get clearer prints. Sometimes I’ll put leaves on the top, then extra fabric around it, and then fold it up to prevent bleed through or symmetrical prints. Yes experimentation is definitely key, and you will develop your own style and preferences over time!