Aprons

[ktaltre]

I just sewed and dyed several aprons. I know Dharma has aprons, but I wanted lighter weight fabric.
Here's a couple.


k. taltre

[Lelia187]

How do you get that crinkle dye? I can never get mine to look anywhere near as good as yours... Also, what type of fabric are you using and how hard is it to whip up on the sewing machine? Do you dye the fabric first, then sew or sew the apron and then dye?


Thanks!


*I love that idea with the aprons, i'm going to have to use it. I have a friend who would adore a tie dye apron!

[ktaltre]

I made the aprons from the cheap muslin from Joann Fabrics that I get with my 40 or 50% off coupons - I get a bolt at a time. I used both bleached and natural muslin. I wash/scour apron lengths, dry in a dryer to take off the lint, having added inches for shrinkage and  some lengths for the neck band and ties.
I made the aprons first this time and then dyed them - the ties were annoying, haha.
They have two pockets, so making the aprons first seemed to make sense, dyeing wise.
Also I did a production run of 8 (ooooohhhh)(boring), same thread - all cotton white. I cut some smaller and some bigger, as Dharma sells 4 sizes I think. So my labels say "smaller" or "bigger".
And being me, I cut each one a little differently and put the band and ties on in different ways to see which was easier.
The crinkle, oh the crinkle, well the cloth is scrunched up tightish, with string, while damp. I let the bundles hang out overnight and as I live in the desert, the cloth is dryish in the morning. I use squirt bottles and squirt away, different colors. I was worried about the crinkle and muslin, but my muslin crinkle aprons turned out all right. I want to use wetter muslin next time I crinkle it I think.
Oh yeah, I use the activated dye method.
More than you wanted to know!
k. taltre

[Lelia187]

Thanks for the tips. I actually just got Mike Fowler's DVD in the mail today! SO EXCITED! I'm hesitant to use the activated dye method though, I've never done it and have heard the dye is only good for like two hours?

-Sarah

[ktaltre]

I mix up dye concentrates (2 tablespoons dye per cup of urea water) and then use 2, 4 or 8 ounce squirt bottles to mix the colors with soda ash water. I mix small amounts as I apply the dye. I store the concentrates in the fridge. The aprons above were dyed using some four month old dye concentrates. I usually use the two oz bottles.
The xmas boutique where the aprons are being shown opened tonight and four were sold when I got there. I guess I'll be making and dyeing some more aprons in the next few days.
k. taltre

[ktaltre]

Oh dear! I had to make more aprons! This time I made 8 completely production. Each procedure was done eight times (scream). So, for example, I ironed and sewed 16 waist ties all at once (scream).
I've been looking on the internet for all cotton aprons, but haven't found anything to my liking.
I'll order a few aprons from Dharma next to see how they feel and dye.
I like my aprons; they are lightweight and just what I want, but I don't like making them very much - it's the straps that get to me!
Here is an apron heart"

k. taltre

[fiberartist219]

Oh I'm glad I'm not the only dyer that gets sick of sewing! I can't make more than two of an item before I'm over it. I don't mind designing the piece and dyeing it, but I can't stand staring at a needle, and I really can't stand making the same design over and over again.

I finished two velvet jackets that were the same pattern that I drafted a couple months ago (which can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/93147386@N00/ if you're interested) and those got old real fast because I had to hand sew a lot of it. I also made some purses awhile back that were a learning experience... and I didn't have the heart to sell them because they didn't last long, and the craftsmanship was horrible. So, I gave them away as Christmas presents to a few lucky family members. Well, my grandma just saw my aunts purse this summer, and guess what? She wants two more just like it! Ugh. I love dyeing, but I hate sewing. I wish I could hire someone else to sew it up for me. Maybe I should send Grandma the fabric and tell her to make it herself....

Anyway, your aprons look awesome! Hopefully it was worth all the tedious strap sewing!

[tiedyejudy]

I have actually contracted someone to sew for me in the past... the only problem is, naturally it drives up the cost and my price has to go up.  But I didn't have the time to do the dresses myself, and had a friend who sewed, so it worked out.  But I prefer to find pre-made garments when I can.  I made several totes a couple of years ago... still have 3 left and 2 cut out but not sewn.  I think I would be better off selling the dyed fabric!

Judy

[fiberartist219]

If I knew of a place that wanted lots of hand dyed fabric, I'd be all over them in a heartbeat.

[2D4]

I really love your color selection....very soft and pleasing.

Jo

[ktaltre]

Hey Fiberartist219....
Great pieces on your flicker site, very very nice! You inspire me!
Thanks for posting the link to your pictures.
I'm a machine person all the way and I have a Fast machine and my first love was sewing and designing, but I sure love to dye (and tie)!
k. taltre

[Jaja]

ahhh, sewing!

I was brought up (I mean in sewing) in  very traditional way- with fitting and hemming...etc.
I really hated that it tooks so much time before clothes are ready to wear.
Unfortuantely I don't know proper words for all that preparation steps in english... maybe you could help me: If you want to cut e.g. sleeves (you need 2 mirroring pieces, that are cut at once on folded fabrics) traditional way to prepare cut pieces for first fitting is that you "outline" the shape of the sleeve by sewing both layers together with special "looped" stich using special easy-to-tear thread. After doing this, you slip hand in between both fabric layers and using scissors, you cut the loops/stitches in the middle of it's lenght...
How do you call this process?

I remember very well making jacket like this in age about 16-17..., just I did it unlined. It had so many pieces to put together!
Sewing in not fun, but to wear own designed piece of cloth is fun.

[ktaltre]

Oh Jaja.....
I'm sorry, I have never heard of that technique. I did tailor a jacket once, learning from a master, doing a muslin and a lot of hand work.
Maybe there is a group on Yahoo Groups that could answer your question (http://groups.yahoo.com/).
k. taltre

[fiberartist219]

Thanks ktaltre!

Jaja, seam ripping would be the closest thing I can think of. I'm really not much of a sewer though. I was never really taught, I just do the best I can with my machine and the owners manual.

[Jaja]

Hmm, maybe that technique is outdated - nowadays I'm also too lazy to do it like I described it previously.
I use only pins and chalk.
It was technique that  my grandma (profi seamstress) used to teach my mom and mom taught me...
If I think it over again - that was probably the way how to avoid usage of chalk (that have to be wash out, otherwise brushing doesn't work it out enough).

That was the most frustrating part of sewing process for me. Seems like no one uses it any more.

ps for ktaltre! : Is seam ripping used in the stage of preparation of cut-out pieces, before you start to put it together?