Chinese Whispers

[Susan B.]

Thanks, Maureen for showing us this beautiful setting and the quilts are something else! I've never seen so much Indigo before. Really don't know much about it, but seeing this, I can see why people love it! I too, love the sailboat!

[Lois B.]

I recieved an email from Renata saying she is finishing up her quilt for the Chinese Whisper Challange. She sent a picture and its just lovely. I should recieve the quilt early this week. Now I have to get my thinking cap on.

[wendy w.]

Try and enjoy it Lois. I'm sure inspiration will flow when the actual one arrives. I wish I could see It but we will before long

[wendy w.]

Which were your pieces Maureen

[Lotti D.]

Thank you Maureen, I especially enjoyed that 'clothes line' what fun! We can never be bored with pictures of quilts, their making, their exhibition, or any part of the prep and dye...

20 £ equates to about 31 US$

I would certainly have invested that for one of those scarves, green or otherwise

[Lorna B.]

Maureen, the quilts are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

Good job, Renata! Send us a pic too!

Have fun, Lois!

[Rita C.]

Well done Renata - we knew you had it in you! :lol: And Lois, the very best of luck to you.

[Maureen A.]

Which were your pieces Maureen

If you hover your mouse over the photos you will see the names of the makers. I named all the photos but only one photo showed the name underneath when they were uploaded :?: :?: :?:

[Norma H.]

I really loved to see all the indigo quilts, Maureen. It's easy to understand that you need some rest now. I'm with the others. Quilt stuff can never be boring, photos or talk or whatever.

Renata, congratulations on finishing your quilt. I guess you have to rest a bit, too!

Lois, I can see smoke coming from your thinking cap :lol: Good luck in deciding what you want to do.

[Maureen A.]

As you all seemed so interested in the photos of the Indigo exhibits I thought I would post some photos of the process.

This is the white fabric after stitching a design and the stitches pulled up tightly.

This is my Indigo vat.

Fabric gently beeing put in the vat

[Jane R.]

Thanks for the exchange info, Lotti. I would certainly have paid that for a one-of-a-kind handmade scarf in the green or blue or maybe one of each. Would have had to be quick though as it sounds like they went fast.

Just went back and viewed the names on the quilts. Maureen you were a very busy woman and you made some really outstanding indigo quilts--I especially like the Bauhaus quilt--very nicely done.

[Maureen A.]

Part 2. As you see the process is like alchemy, real magic. It comes out green and then before your eyes as the oxygen touches it it gradually changes to blue. Most of my pieces were dipped a few times depending on the intensity I wanted. Some were dipped up to 8 times. You have to then leave about over an hour between each dip. Leaving more time between is much better and then it has to be rinsed really, really well and the washed. You can then understand how long a piece takes to get to the layering up, maybe days or even longer.

Fabric being taken out of the vat. Notice the lovely green

Just out of the vat

Out a little bit longer

[Margo C.]

WOW!! Maureen, that is amazing! Thanks for sharing your process with us!

[Maureen A.]

Part 3.

Once the oxygen get to it, it changes to blue. More dips produce darker colours.

Arishi (Pole wrapping).

Arishi (pole wrapping) with a bigger pole.

[Jane R.]

Now I see how you made the Arishi water series. Question: what is the purpose of stitching a design and then pulling the threads tight? Is that similar to tie-dyeing where you wrap rubber bands around sections pulled up or use string to tie around those sections? Do you then release the threads after the dipping and drying process? And is that how the angel and sailboat quilts were made?

Knowing you are in Scotland and I am in Arizona and Margo is in a totally state and we're having a conversation as if we were in the same room is really magical--love technology most of the time 8)