1 Get your supplies together.
Scarlet suggests using thicker gloves than are in the Jacquard kit because the dye can sometimes seep through thinner ones.
2Follow the directions to mix the dye.
The kit suggests mixing it for 30 minutes, but Scarlet usually lets it sit for an hour. WARNING: This dye is smelly.
3 Fold your fabric in any way you want to create the pattern—experiment! Here, Scarlet folds over and under until the napkin is long, then she folds it over and under again from side to side.
4 This is the other element of the process that creates the pattern: Place the wood pieces on both sides of the fabric, and rubber band them in place. Add extra rubber bands than necessary to further add to the pattern.
5 Soak the napkin in water until it is fully wet,
then squeeze it to get all the bubbles and excess water out.
6TIME TO DYE!
Remove the oily- looking top layer of the dye—also known as the flower—with a disposable bowl.
7 Soak the napkin in the dye. Scarlet usually lets it soak from one to 20 minutes. Be careful not to let the napkin touch the bottom of the bucket because the sediments will affect your piece. Scarlet cuts the handles off an old colander to create a tool to prevent the napkin from touching the sediments.
8 When it’s time to remove the napkin, squeeze out the excess dye right above the surface of the liquid to avoid splashing. Splashing can cause the dye to become less potent. Keep the napkin bubble-less. You can squeeze and gently handle the napkin in the bowl.
9 When exposed to the air, the napkin will start to turn a bluer blue. After a minute or two, flip the fabric to let the other side get some air. It is also important to expose any other part of the fabric that you would like to turn bluer. Here, Scarlet opens the corners up. The directions say to let the fabric sit for 10 to 20 minutes, but Scarlet leaves it for an hour or more.
10 When it’s time, remove the rubber bands over a sink.Also remove the wood pieces, and rinse the napkin with warm water to get all of the ink out.
11 Put the napkin in the washing machine on a warm rinse followed by a cold one.Throw it in the dryer, and YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SHIBORI NAPKIN!
STOP IN TO SWEETPEA IN STONE RIDGE TO PURCHASE SCARLET’S HANDMADE SHIBORI NAPKINS, CLOTHING OR PILLOWS.
