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my intention for november: glow

10/31/2020

I intend to GLOW in the darkness.

I write this on Hallowe'en night.
A stranger one than usual.
We found other ways to trick and treat.
Working with teens, I demonstrated the magic of dyeing.

Process
(All equipment and additives are readily available and are no cost (but may need some prior preparation):
Scouring: thoroughly wash natural fabric by hand in laundry detergent or synthropol.
Premordant: heat scoured fabric in water with 2 tsp of alum until hot to the touch, turn off and leave overnight. You will see the alum settled on the fabric folds in the morning.
Tannin bath: cook and strain 2-3 pomegranate rinds (4-6 halves) to make a tannin bath, soak fabric in the bath overnight for maximum results.
Dye bath: cook and strain onion skins of any colour, soak fabric in the bath overnight for maximum results.
Post mordant and Ph modifying: cook wood ashes in water for at least 1/2 hour, syphon off the water, and add 1/2 cup to pail of water, stir. Dip fabric in ash water and move around for most uniform effect, crumple for mottled effect. You will see the colour grow in intensity. Remove after max. 5 minutes.
Post mordant: soak rusted iron in a vinegar/water solution for 6 months to a year, add approx. 1 Tbsp to water, stir. Dip and move fabric around in this water for no longer than 5 minutes. You will see the colour "sadden".
Wash fabric thoroughly in laundry detergent or Dawn dish detergent, use dryer to dry.

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my intention for october: Balance

10/4/2020

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I intend to balance needs and wants this month.

My habits are changing.

As I head back to work and reconnect with the wider world, I notice that the things I value have silently undergone change.
Covid has had an impact on my dressing and shopping habits.

I still enjoy fashion and can't help but notice and assess new styles: elements of art recombined, repositioned.
Suddenly, however, I'm not being swept into the rushing stream.
Suddenly, I'm holding on to something bigger, stronger. My coverings are more me.

I've put together a collage of pieces of my wardrobe worn this past month, Kate Fletcher's words milling around in my brain. Thinking that if I'm ever done with these clothes, I'll make a quilt out of them. Each square a life lived, and still covering.

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