Some readers will remember the dyeing with kakishibu (Japanese fermented unripe persimmon juice) that Pam and I carried out in June, 2012 (look at the posts there for photos). I had rinsed and pressed the beautiful cloths and put them away until I could figure out what to make. I did use one bit for "Between 'At Last' and Always." And I have thoroughly enjoyed the extemporaneous hand stitching on my recent pieces. So now that all gelled, and I got out the bin of hand-dyes and pulled out pieces of old damask tablecloths dyed with kakishibu. They have darkened with time as the literature predicted, becoming even more dramatic. I'm going to quilt these as wholecloth pieces, using threads that blend well with the various hues. I sandwiched two lengths with batting and backing, so I'm ready to begin, and I've identified at least three or four more to work on in coming months.
There's a real joy in working with linen. It takes a crease beautifully, shows stitching crisply, and feels lovely in the hand. And it's great fun to tear into pieces, making a distinctive ripping noise and tearing straight and true. I'm always on the lookout at secondhand shops for old damask tablecloths, now that I've just about used up all the ones I got from my grandmother. Nice to have an excuse to visit Goodwill and to find bargains that I can dye later.
There will be photos when I have something to show. Come back in a few days.