Dyeing For Success

[affreca]

So, current craft project to keep me out of trouble is a Viking Apron Dress. I need linen under dresses, but I yet to sew a mockup of one of those yet that I like (gores not at a seam are still defeating me). But I did both a three panel and four panel mockup, and liked the four panel one better. So I carefully drew out the pattern pieces on grid paper to see how much I'd need.

It was an odd size, so I decided to use some of the light brown linen I'd gotten at a fabric swap (which I know dyes well, as it is one of the six fabric samples I've been using in the natural dye experiment). However, I didn't want a light brown dress. So I cut off the amount I'd need, and washed it. I then dyed it with one packet of dark green RIT and half a package of tan RIT, washed it again and hung it out to dry. Today is a warm, windy day so it dried quickly. I love the color. I ironed it, and soon going to cut it up. Wish me luck.

Comments

[silk-noir.livejournal.com]

Luck, honey!

Boy, the construction of the Viking dress has come a long way in our understanding of it. My first (and only) attempt was two panels--sorta like a sandwich board. I made it out of burgundy cordouroy and strapped it with broacde trim, worn over a dark teal shapeless gown. Good for high summer. Bad for wind. ;)

Will you post pics when you're done?

[affreca.livejournal.com]

I'll try to. Currently trying to get some garb done by mid June, as I'm tempted to go to Lilies for a weekend and I'll need something that breathes.

[silk-noir.livejournal.com]

Holy Venerable Bede! You're going to Lilies? Oooo! I'm trying to get therer for the last Saturday evening, as the fellow whom I want to squire to is going to be standing vigil!

[affreca.livejournal.com]

Well, it is only a bit over an hour drive. I've been twice before, but that was when my high school friends came down. I haven't really gotten to know the local SCA people well (other groups meet at the same time, and thus have priority), so I'm not sure who to hang out with.

[silk-noir.livejournal.com]

I can make recommendations, if you like.... What's your group?

[affreca.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'm in Lawrence.

I was very spoiled by the group I hung out with when I was in high school (Svathy in South Dakota). It is interesting to me how Svathy and this group handle being in a college town differently. Svathy constantly recruited students, as they always needed new members as people graduated, where as Lawrence doesn't recruit so it doesn't have to deal with members leaving. Thus, I've had trouble getting to know people.

Of course, between KUAC (anime), KCCG (local costumer's guild), and KUGAR (which I'm trying to see if I can get more active) I really should just admit I have enough already. But since I've gotten more patient about sewing I want to finally have a set of good garb, and then wear it (without driving 6 hours home to Svathy).