Rust dyeing is the process of dyeing fabric or yarn with rusty metal in conjunction with vinegar, water, salt, and hydrogen peroxide.
Most of my work is made up of hand dyed yarn. I use a variety of natural dyes to get my color palette. In order to achieve these colors I used logwood, rusty metal, and onion skins.
Oftentimes after rust dyeing, there are imprints of yarn left on the metal itself.
In order to prepare my dyed yarn for the loom, I use a warping board, and create a cross that will serve as my guide for warping.
I warp my loom from front to back. The first step is sleying the reed using the cross I created on the warping board.
Once my warp is on the loom, I start weaving. I use a shuttle to transfer the weft yarn from one side to another through a shed. This is then compacted using a beater bar, and a new shed is opened. This process is repeated to create fabric.
I use the process of TIG welding to combine pieces of metal that become part of my sculptures. Using a combination of hydrogen peroxide, salt, and vinegar, I rust the metal.
Here is a process photo of me working on a Theo Moorman Inlay Technique piece. I am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to work on this piece with Schacht Spindle Company.
Samples are an important part of my creative process. These are woven shibori and overshot samples.