Kilims: Blue

Here is another lovely blue. It is called Mandarin Blue Dark. It is yet another Oriental Background color formula from Prisms # 1 (66 Spots and 35 Oriental Backgrounds), a dye book from the Dye Divas Claire deRoos and Nancy MacLennan. This piece was dyed over 1/2 yard of Dorr wool in a Presto Pot (also known as a Kitchen Kettle) with little to NO stirring, hence the mottling. This is an Abrash formula, so the dyes were dissolved in 2 CBW (cups of boiling water), adding the mordant in the 2 cup solution. The first cup of dye solution was used to dye the wool - NO stirring, and then after the dye was taken up, the second cup of dye solution was poured over the wool as the wool was pulled up in peaks. First one side of the wool, flip it over then do the same to the other side. Click on the photo to see the richness of color. It is a really nice blue. This color may be used in Kilims or for your next project. Try it, you might just like it!

Kilims: Blue Light

Here is a wonderful light blue. It is called Mandarin Blue Light. It is an Oriental Background color formula from Prisms # 1 (66 Spots and 35 Oriental Backgrounds), a dye book from the Dye Divas Claire deRoos and Nancy MacLennan. This piece was dyed over 1/2 yard of Dorr wool in a Presto Pot (also known as a Kitchen Kettle) with little to NO stirring, hence the mottling. This is an Abrash formula, so the dyes were dissolved in 2 CBW (cups of boiling water), adding the mordant in the 2 cup solution. The first cup of dye solution was used to dye the wool - NO stirring, and then after the dye was taken up, the second cup of dye solution was poured over the wool as the wool was pulled up in peaks. First one side of the wool, flip it over then do the same to the other side. Click on the photo to see the lovely soft color. It is a really pretty blue. Another exquisite color for use in Kilims or your next project. You are going to love this one!

Kilims: Green? Blue?

Here is a really interesting color. It is called Herb Green. It is a Prochem dye directly out of the jar. I used 1/4 tsp. of Herb Green over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural wool processed in a Presto Pot (also known as a Kitchen Kettle) with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. This produces the wonderful mottling. Citric acid was used as a mordant. Click on the photo to see the loveliness. This is another great color for Kilims or your next new project. Try it, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Kilims: Soft Tawny Brown

 

Here is a soft light tawny brown. It is called Bees Wax. It is yet another color by Susan Quicksall (deqslq@aol.com) from her dye book Dying for Color. This piece was dyed using Prochem dyes over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural in a Presto Pot (also called Kitchen Kettle) with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. Click on the photo to see the interesting tones in this soft brown. Check out the lovely variation in value. This is a lovely warm color for a Kilim or other project. 

Kilims: Brassy Gold

Here is a wonderful gold color. It is called Old Brass. It is another great color from the dye book Prisms #3: Color in Motion by the Dye Divas Claire deRoos and Nancy MacLennan. This piece was dyed using Prochem dyes over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural in a Presto Pot (also called Kitchen Kettle) with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. Since this is an Abrash formula, the dyes were dissolved in 2 CBW (cups of boiling water), adding the mordant in the 2 cup solution. The first cup of dye solution was used to dye the wool - NO stirring, and then after the dye was taken up, the second cup of dye solution was poured over the wool as the wool was pulled up in peaks. First one side of the wool, flip it over then do the same to the other side. Click on the photo to see the great depth of color and variation in value. It is rich and luxurious. Another exquisite color for use in Kilims or any other project. 

Tiffany Exhibit At Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

 

We finally made time today to get to see the exhibit on Tiffany glass at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Click here Tiffany Exhibit to see the museum website and some photos and video from the exhibit.

The colors are to 'dye' for - really. The vibrant color is spectacular. I was amazed by the texture in the stained glass - totally unexpected. The Dragonfly lamp that you see in the poster is exquisite and the Cobweb lamp is mind blowing. The exhibit runs through to May 2nd, 2010 - not to be missed. Enjoy!

Happy Spring Everyone!

Kilims: Beautiful Brown

Here is a beautiful brown. It is called Potato Skin. It is yet another formula from Susan Quicksall (deqslq@aol.com) from her dye book Dying for Color. This piece was dyed using Prochem dyes over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural in a Presto Pot (also called Kitchen Kettle) with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. Click on the photo to see the interesting tones in this brown. Check out the lovely variation in value. This is a lovely warm color for a Kilim or other project. 

Kilims: Orangey Brown!

Here is another lovely warm color. It is called Rustic Roost. It is yet another formula from Susan Quicksall (deqslq@aol.com) from her dye book Dying for Color. This piece was dyed using Prochem dyes over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural in a Presto Pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. Click on the photo to see the warmth and wonder in this orangey brown. Check out the lovely variation in value. Another really great color for a Kilim or other project. Enjoy!

Kilims: Orange? Brown?

Here is an interesting color. It is called Cider. A sort of brownish orange. It is a formula from Susan Quicksall (deqslq@aol.com) from her dye book Dying for Color. This piece was dyed using Prochem dyes over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural in a Presto Pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. Click on the photo to see the incredible richness of wonder in this orange. This is a really great color for a Kilim or other project.

Kilims: Golden Green?

Here is a great color. This is Golden Pear. It is a Prochem dye directly out of  the jar. I used 1/4 tsp. of Golden Pear over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural wool processed in a Presto Pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. This produces the wonderful mottling. Click on the photo to see the loviness. This is another great color for Kilims. Try it you will be surprised!

Kilims: Back to Browns Again

Here is a lovely soft brown. It is called Windmill. It is a formula of Susan Quicksall (deqslq@aol.com) from her dye book Dying for Color. This piece was dyed using Prochem dyes over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural in a Presto Pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. Click on the photo to see this surprising color. A good brown for Kilims and more!

Kilims: A Nice Soft Red

 

Here is yet another Red. Can you tell that I like Red? This one is called Shaker Red. It is another formula from Sharon Townsend's dye book "SPNEA'S Historic Colors of America" using Prochem dyes. Click on the photo to see the lovely softness and subtle value gradation. This color looks like a well worn and loved T-shirt. This piece of wool was processed in a Presto pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to No stirring. Another great color wool for Kilims.

Kilims: Reds Are Here Again

Can you believe it - yet another Red? Well, as you know traditional Oriental colors are red, blue and yellow - the three primary colors. This Red is called Stagecoach. It is a wonderful rich red from Sharon Townsend's dye book "SPNEA'S Historic Colors of America" using Prochem dyes. This piece of wool is 1/2 yard of Dorr natural processed in a Presto Pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. My mordant is always Citric Acid. Click on the photo to see the loveliness and merriment in value and depth. Another great Red for Kilims. Try it, you'll like it!

Kilims: Delicious Red

Here we go again with another Red. This one is Paprika. It is a Prochem dye directly out of the jar. It is really a delicious color. This piece is 1/2 yard of Dorr natural with 1/2 tsp. of Paprika. It was processed in a Presto Pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring resulting in a lovely mottled color. It is a great Red for Kilims or any other project.

Kilims: More Red

Check out this Red. It is called Holly Hill Red. It is a formula by Susan Quicksall (deqslq@aol.com) from her dye book Dying for Color. This piece was dyed using Prochem dyes over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural in a Presto Pot with only enough water to cover the wool with little to NO stirring. Click on the photo to see the incredible richness of wonder in this red. This is a really pretty red for a Kilim.

Kilims: Some More Red

Here is a really gorgeous color. It is called Apple. It is a formula by Wiarton Wanda of Wandaworks. It is another of her wandering formula. I just love this one SO much. Click on the photo to see all of the merriment and deliciousness. If you need to have the formula check out Wanda's blog here: Wandaworks. It is dyed with Majic Carpet Dyes. Wanda and I checked and I believe that we found it in her archives/older posts in 28 March, 2009. I doubled Wanda's original formula over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural. You will love it. Remember Do NOT STIR...Another great color for Kilims.

Kilims: The Blues Again

 

Here is a dark one. It is called Midnight. It is a formula from the dye book Prisms # 3. It is a formula form the Dye Divas Claire deRoos and Nancy MacLennan. It is one of their Color in Motion colors - CM20. A really lovely mixture of blue, navy, green and brick. This piece was dyed over 1/2 yard of Dorr wool in a Presto Pot with little to NO stirring, hence the mottling. Click on the photo to appreciate the depth of color in this one. Another amazing bue for Kilims.

Kilims: Back to the Blues

 

Here is another wonderful blue. This one is called Williamsburg Blue Dark. It is an Oriental Background color formula from Prisms # 1 (66 Spots and 35 Oriental Backgrounds), a dye book from the Dye Divas Claire deRoos and Nancy MacLennan. Click on the photo to see the great depth of color.

It is rich and luxurious. Another exquisite color for use in Kilims. 

The Presto Pot

 

For those of you that have inquired....here is a photo of the Presto Pot that I have been talking about in my previous posts. It was purchased in the US at Walmart. It was retailing for $19.99, but I think the last time that I saw it the price was up to $21.99. I believe it is called a multi-cooker or kettle cooker. I honestly do not remember exactly.( If anyone knows the exact name please share it with us...thanks). It comes with a glass cover which is not included in this photo and I rarely ever use the cover at all. It also comes with an aluminum basket for deep frying. Some folks use the basket to make spot dyes and or really mottled wool. I rarely use the basket either. The Presto Pot easily holds a 1/2 yard and can hold a yard quite nicely. The temp control allows you to really watch your pot simmer wonderfully.

My Kilim So Far...

 

My progress on my Kilim has been slow, but steady. I am a very slow hooker, especially when I am using a # 5 cut. The traditional symbols found in Kilim rugs and carpets have meanings which have been passed down from one generation to the next.

"The patterns and motifs on kilim rugs have a symbolic language. Thus, many symbolic, iconic or indexical motifs (signs) on kilim rugs can help transfer the cultural data of that time to the present day, therefore kilims are media of transferring cultural heredity as well." (Assist. Prof. PhD. Nurdan Taflk›ran - Kocaeli University, Faculty of Communication, Radio, Cinema & TV Dept., Turkey.) 

This "Red" panel represents me.

Here is an iconic figure of a man that represents me. Above me is an icon which symbolizes my hands, used to create the rugs that I make.

 

Above the hand is an icon of a cross which symbolizes my connection to my spirituality, and my yoga practice (mind/body/soul). 

Here are two more two crosses, one stylized as a flower which relates to my spiritual connection to the earth and my garden and flowers and the other a more traditional representation of a cross which represents for me my profession in the health care field.

Kilims: Back to Browns

 

This interesting piece of wool is Mahogany. A Prochem dye right out of the jar. I used 1/4 tsp. of Mahogany over 1/2 yard of Dorr natural processed in a Presto Pot in water only enough to cover the wool, and guess what??? I did NOT stir the wool, hence the marvelous mottling. Click on the photo to see the great variation in value and hue. It is a delectable color to use in Kilims.

Kilims: Got The Blues...

 

Check out this gorgeous piece of wool. This blue is so deep and rich.  Click on the photo to see for yourself. It is called Starless Night. It is a formula by Susan Quicksall (deqslq@aol.com) from her dye book Dying For Color. It is an amazing blue for Kilims. This piece is a 1/2 yard of Dorr wool processed in a Presto Pot with only enough water to barely cover the wool and was NOT stirred, hence the beautiful mottling. Try it, you WILL like it!

Kilims: The Colors Continue

 

This awesome piece of wool called Great Beauty is a Wandering formula by Wanda Kerr -http://wandaworksinwiarton.blogspot.com/

Wanda used Majic Carpet Dyes to produce this amazing dyed piece of wool. Check out her blog and look for wandering formulas. Click on the photo to see just how rich this one is. It is a great color to use in Kilim rugs. Remember these wandering woolens are chameleon in nature - they will change up a bit to fit in with your other wool choices quite well.

Kilims: More Colors to Choose

Here is another lovely color from Sharon Townsend's "SPNEA'S Historic Colors of America". It is called Cogswell Cedar. It is a yummy combo of brick, orange, yellow and teal. This piece was dyed over 1/2 yd of Dorr wool in a Presto Pot with shallow water and little to NO stirring. Click on the photo to see the rich mottled effect and loveliness of value.