Current Projects

This Dye-Bath is Killing Me!!! 

I am not used to working with chemical dyes; however, plant based dyes are a bit of a modge-podge and you can shoot for green and not always get green or get a lighter version of what you wanted. One of my favorite things is resurrecting dead garb. The dress was a beautiful white linen dress when I was gifted it. The fit perfect. Over the years, the white has turned to grey, dingy white and the hem, dirt. In order to resurrect it, I decided to go green, one of my heraldic colours. First dye bath was a sage-ish green…with yellow splotches. Ahhh! I re-dyed it with a dark green but had to use a less than favourable dye. I soaked it for 24 hours and brought it up to maximum saturation. The depth was better but I could tell that the wear on it had created an un-eveness in the fabric. Not to mention, it is more difficult to dye an outfit than yardage. I did a third dye bath of a less than reputable dye company but I am limited by what I can get in Fairbanks. After a 36 hour soak with a bit of dark brown added to the green, I rinsed it and then set it with an acid bath for 45 minutes hoping to at least lessen the mottled look. I’m out of green dye so I’m stuck. In strong sunlight, I’ve invented medieval camouflage. If I was a warrior in the trees, I’d be invisible with an arrow…assuming I can shoot said arrow. I’ll wear it because I re-made it and I wear what I’ve created and wear it with pride. If it doesn’t pass muster than well, someone can always make me a better one. I’ll add a bit of my Household trim and call it good and then, when I have a LOT of time, re-dye it with a better quality dye bath. Meanwhile, if you find an arrow at your feet, tis just me in the trees playing at being a Wood-Elf in camouflage. You won’t be able to see me, just the badly aimed arrow.

Rings! Lots of metal rings for Largess!

Learning how to make Viking Rings has been a challenge. BUT, I’m really enjoying it. I’m not as great as some, but better than others. I’m on the right track but the learning is time consuming. I’m currently challenged on the “Leaf” like ring. That one will take some time.