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Saturday, July 19, 2014

Dyed Mottled Fabric, A Free Pattern and a Fabric Giveaway

Welcome, blog hoppers!  What a great morning it is.  Participating in this week-long blog hop with other demonstrators on the Quilting Arts TV Series 1400 is not only fun but it is an honor to be in such accomplished company.
 

I hope you will be checking out others' blogs on this hop.  I have visited them and greatly enjoyed each one.

If you leave a comment in the comments section below, you will be automatically entered into a random drawing for 1 yard of 100% cotton fabric that I have dyed using an adaptation of the method that I demonstrated on Quilting Arts TV Series 1400.  There will be two randomly chosen winners who will receive 1 yard each, so be sure to leave a comment.

These are the two fabrics that I will be giving away.

 

In my segment of the series I demonstrate a method of applying water soluble, non-toxic dyes directly to fabric to achieve some fun and often serendipitously astounding mottled fabrics.

Today I am going to talk about two subjects - (1) A recent dying project and (2) A free pattern for a vinyl covered apron to use when dyeing.

(1)  STEPS TO ACHIEVING A MOTTLED EFFECT ON FABRIC

Recently I have been working on a 36" x 48" quilt with a "Shadows" theme by adapting into fiber an acrylic painting that one of my daughters created.  I found no commercial fabric that would produce the effect that I wanted to achieve.  The following will give a glimpse into how I dyed fabric to arrive at a background that would be perfect for the "Shadows" theme.

Step 1 - Cover the work surface with a large section of inexpensive, plastic drop cloth.
Plastic Drop Cloth Covering Work Surface
 
Step 2 - Arrange needed materials
 
Non-toxic, Liquid Dyes, Small Plastic Containers, Paint Brushes, Clean-up Rag

Step 3 - Prewash and rinse the fabric to assure that all sizing has been removed.  Let the fabric remain wet after the final rinse.

Step 4 - Lay out the wet fabric onto the plastic covered work surface.

Step 5 - Pour non-toxic, liquid Rit dyes into containers and add a few drops of HOT water.
The dye colors I used were aquamarine and pearl gray.

 
Pearl Gray Aquamarine, and Dye Fixative
Step 6 - Use wide paint brushes to randomly "paint" liquid dye colors directly onto the wet fabric.  

Step 7 - Note:  At this point I tried something that I had not done before.  I loaded one of the paint brushes with opaque white fabric paint and brushed the paint over the peaks that had formed as a result of the fabric shifting while applying the dye colors.  

Opaque White Fabric Paint Applied to Peaks
Unfortunately, I must report that whatever pigment renders the white fabric paint opaque made the paint stay on the surface and did not become one with the fabric.  Ultimately I scraped it off with the edge of an old credit card after it was "cooked" in the microwave oven.

Hint Leave some areas of the fabric white and let the dye do its natural bleeding.

Step 8 - Liberally spray Rit Dye fixative over the entire dye-painted fabric and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Step 9 - After letting the fixative work its magic for 20 minutes, cover the entire fabric, front and back, with microwave safe plastic wrap and then fold it into a package size that fits into the microwave oven.  Pinch the edges of the plastic envelope.  This creates a sort of envelope to capture steam.

Step 10 - Next, pop the folded "package" into the microwave on a high setting for 1 minute and 30 seconds.  Since steam is created inside the packet, it becomes very hot so let it sit for about 3 minutes before removing the packet from the microwave.

Step 11 - Peel off the plastic wrap and then rinse the fabric in warm water.  The dye fixative does a fantastic job of setting the colors and steam further sets them, so very little or no color will be dispersed into the rinse water.

Step 12 - After the fabric dries, iron it and it will be ready to use.

Here is the piece that I dyed.  it's perfect for the background of the quilt that I am designing.
(2) VINYL COVERED APRON PATTERN

An important consideration when dyeing fabric is protective outerwear.  Needless to say, gloves are necessary unless you really like dyed figernails and nail beds.  Next, unless one is meticulous about wearing grungy clothing where dye spatters don't matter, an apron really comes in handy.  A fabric apron provides some protection; however, a vinyl covered apron offers even greater protection for clothing. 

After unsuccessfully searching the internet for a vinyl covered apron, I couldn't find one.  Thus, I designed one, stitched it up and have found it perfect for those dyeing times in the studio--or anywhere, for that matter.  A quick swipe with a damp cloth and it's good as new/.

Completed Apron
APRON PATTERN







 And remember...Drum roll please...

Leave a comment and you will automatically be entered into a randomized drawing for a yard of my 100% cotton, hand dyed mottled fabric.  Two lucky visitors will each received one yard of fabric.
AND
Be sure to check out the next blog on the Quilting Arts Blog hop.  Here is the schedule:



July 18: Vivika DeNegre at quiltingdaily.com
July 19: Luana Rubin (luanarubin.typepad.com)/Linda Friedman (lindasartquilts.blogspot.com)
July 20: Sarah Ann Smith (sarahannsmith.com/weblog)/Karen Gloeggler (http://www.seminarandsew.com)
July 21: Carrie Bloomston (suchitysuch.blogspot.com/ Catherine Redford (catherineredford.com)
July 22: Sue Reno (suereno.blogspot.com)/ Rebekah Meier (rebekahmeier.com)
July 23: Lyric Kinard (lyrickinard.com/blog) / Margie Ullery (ribboncandyquilts.blogspot.com)
July 24: Cheryl Sleboda (muppin.com/wordpress/) / Jane Sassaman (janesassaman.com/weblog)
July 25: Susan Brubaker Knapp (bluemoonriver.blogspot.com)

Always remember, never fear to experiment.  
Sometimes wonderful things happen.

 © Linda Friedman 2014.  All rights reserved.


83 comments:

  1. This is amazing!!!! I love the way the fabric turned out and want to try this myself. Thanks for sharing how you did this!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for dropping in to the blog. Glad you liked it. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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    3. I like this effect and hope to try it. Thanks for posting this information

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    4. Thanks for dropping into my blog, Diana. If you do try the technique, I believe you will produce some fabrics with striking mottled effects. Hope you drop by again son.

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  2. Love the fabric. Very interested in learning to dye my own fabric. I love watching Quilting Arts TV. It really inspires me.

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    1. Once you start dying your own fabric, you'll be hooked, Roxanna. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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  3. I've been looking for a fabric to use as a background for a landscape quilt. Maybe trying to dye my own would be something I would try now. Thanks for the insructions and the inspiration.

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    1. There are some fantastic non-toxic, water soluble dyes on the market that are sure to be a hit on the landscape quilt you are thinking about creating. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks, Sally. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the tutorial. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  5. I love seeing a 'new' way of dyeing fabric that looks easy and with such great results! I hope to try this soon. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. You are sooooo right, "Ruebarb". The method I developed is very easy and as far as colors go, the sky's the limit. I'm glad you enjoyed this post. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  6. Thanks for your tutorial! I have experimented with a similar method using MX dyes. I always love the surprise when you open out the end product.

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    1. It's always fun to find another person who likes to experiment with different methods for dyeing. The Rit dyes work their magic on fabric and on so many other things. I've even used it to touch up scraped areas on an old hardwood floor, but the greatest joy has come when I open the microwave and unveil the wonders of how dyes work together. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  7. I tried to comment but it didn't show up so I hope this is not a duplicate
    In my previous comment I said I'm glad that you used materials that are readily available. I've tried dying before but I haven't had a good result. So thank you.

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    1. Hi "Annie of Blue Gables". Rest easy. Your comment only appeared once. If your results with dyeing have been "iffy" in the past, do try this method. It works like a charm. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  8. I have done a little bit of fabric dying but this inspires me to try more, thanks for the great vinyl apron pattern, nice bonus!

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    1. I'm happy that this post has inspired you to create more dyed fabric, Barb. The method I came up with is so simple and the results often far exceed my expectations. Glad you liked the apron pattern. Until I made this apron, no matter how careful I was not to splatter, I always managed to find color that seemed to magically jump into my clothing. Now the apron is the first thing I put on when I start to gather my things for dying and, wa..la.., no more splatters to groan over. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  9. Great tutorial, Linda! You got wonderful results with using Rit dye.

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    1. I'm glad you liked the tutorial, Mia. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  10. I've never tried the Ritz dyes...will go get some today and try it. Your fabrics are gorgeous!! Thank you for the giveaway.
    hugs,
    CheriS
    cheris46@hotmail.com

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    1. Hi Cherold. It's fun to know that you are going to be trying out the dyeing process I developed. It is super easy and I know that you are going to be surprised at the effects that can be achieved when the colors do their magical mixing. Thanks for dropping into my blog and Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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  11. wow, the result are fantastic,Love the tutorial...thank you..martamanole@yahoo.com....

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    1. Hi "Anonymous"! I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post. Colors are so much fun to work with. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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  12. Thanks so much Linda! I've been trying my hand at book making recently and using commercial fabrics and/or quilting the covers... but the added personalized touch of creating a hand dyed fabric for the cover would be awesome! Very excited to try this technique :-D

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    1. I'm thrilled that my blog post has inspired you to try your hand at dyeing fabric for the covers of the books you have been creating. My method is ever so easy and I believe you will be happy with the results of Rit dyes working their magic on fabric. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  13. Replies
    1. Glad you like the colors, Mary. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  14. Pretty combination of colors. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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    1. I'm glad you like the colors, "Quilting Tangent". Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  15. What fun! If I don't win the fabric, I'll just have to dye some on my own!

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    1. Fun is what life should be about, PJ Howard. Every time I use the dyeing method that I devised, it is pure fun--and ever so easy. Even if you win the fabric giveaway drawing, I hope you try this method. You'll be hooked. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  16. Love the idea of not worrying about toxic materials. And the fabric is beautiful.

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    1. Yes, Linda, non-toxic materials are really important to me. I live in an almost rural area and am on a septic system, so it is imperative that nothing damages the "friendly" bacteria in the system. Not only are these dyes safe but since they are water soluble and pre-mixed, they are super easy to use. The colors that work miraculously blend together always excites me.

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  18. Thanks so much for this post. This looks like something i can actually do!

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    1. Give my method of applying Rit dye directly to fabric, Nancy. You may be amazed with the results. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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    3. Congratulations, Nancy! You were one of the randomized winners for a yard of my hand dyed fabric. Click on the "About Me" photo at the top of my blog. Then click on E-Mail and confidentially send me your mailing address. As soon as I have your address, I'll sent the fabric out to you.

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  19. I love the piece that you dyed! Thanks for the demo. I will be on the lookout for the Rit dyes now.
    The giveaway fabric is beautiful too.

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    1. Thanks for your kind comment, Holly M. Rit dyes are available in some astounding colors and the non-toxic, water soluble ones are super easy to use. Hope you have fun experimenting. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

      Delete
  20. Thanks for the tutorial on your dyed fabrics. The finished fabric is beautiful - the colours are amazing!
    wlinda_ca at yahoo dot com

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    1. I'm glad that you enjoyed the tutorial, "Anonymous" and that you liked the colors. Rit's non-toxic, water soluble dyes make the process I developed very user friendly. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

      Delete
  21. Great web page! I enjoyed your tutorial. Anxious to get back into fabric dyeing again.

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    1. I'm glad you like my blog post, "Anonymous". If it inspired you in any way to start dyeing fabric again, that makes me happy. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

      Delete
    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

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  22. You make it look so easy but I am going to try it tomorrow. You have a great web page

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    1. It is easy, Peggy. I hope you have fun giving the method I devised a try and discover gratifying results. Thanks for dropping in and thanks, also, for your kind remark about my blog. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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  24. Lovely tutorial and an apron pattern too! I'll have to try this. I have some snow-dyed material that turned out just so-so. Maybe over-dying it will be just the trick.

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    1. Thanks for your kind remarks about my blog post, Lydia. Over dyeing a fabric that didn't meet your expectation is a brilliant idea. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.

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    2. A second reply from Linda...Some individuals who have entered the fabric giveaway drawing have not provided contact information so I am sending this follow-up note to all...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric. Good luck to all. I have very much enjoyed all your comments.

      Delete
  25. Love your fabric and this method of dyeing. Very good instructions as well. Good luck with your "shadows" quilt.

    Anna
    Anna@the-tureks.com

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    1. Thanks for your very kind remarks about my blog post, Anna. Thank you, also, for your good wishes with my "shadows" quilt.
      Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric. Since the deadline for entering into the drawing, I am sending the following now to everyone who has dropped a note...
      Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric.

      Delete
  26. This fabric looks amazing!

    Contact info: pastfast1@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks, Noelle. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks, also, for providing contact information. Good luck with the randomized drawing for my hand dyed fabric.Since The timeline for entering for the giveaway is Midnight tonight, I'll have the entries tallied and randomized tomorrow. Check back in to my blog at http://lindasartquilts.blogspot.com/ tomorrow to find out if you have won the fabric Noelle, since you have provided contact information, I'll definitely notify you if your number came up in the randomization.

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  27. Wonderful blog...I will be back!

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    1. Thanks for dropping in on my blot, Roberta, and thanks, also, for your kind comment. I hope to see you again soon.

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  28. That was so interesting and I love the fabric. Will be back to this site often.

    connie b
    cbquilts345@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment, "Connie B". Hope to see you again soon.

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  29. This is very interesting. Can't wait to give it a try. Thank you!

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    1. Thanks for visiting my blog, Lynn. Have fun trying this method of applying Rit dye directly to wet/damp fabric. Hope to see you again soon.

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  30. Beautiful fabric from a talented artist.

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    1. Thanks, Helen, for your touching remark. Hope you visit my blog again soon.

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  31. Thanks for sharing this technique. And the apron pattern, I am in need of a pattern for an event this fall so the timing is perfect.

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    1. Thanks for dropping into my blog, Jody. I'm glad that you will find the apron pattern useful. One of the fun aspects of this apron is that you never have to worry about staining it. I use mine all the time and every time it is like brand new.

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  32. The orange fabric is amazing, it looks like a sunset. Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway.

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    1. I'm glad you like the hand dyed fabric method that I've developed, Janie. Thanks for dropping into my blog and thanks for leaving a message.

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