Fashions and Furbelows

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18088, 23 February 1927, Page 11

Fashions and Furbelows

NOTES BY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS.

STRING DYEING. Although so simple to do, the most charming effects can be produced by “string dyeing,” effects which it is impossible to produce in any other 'I he only equipment required is a few yards of string and one or two packets of ordinary dye of either hot of cold water varieties. Little experience is necessary and there is practically no possibility of failure. One of tje charms of the process is that no two “patterns” are ever alike, and, although the result is always pleasing, there is no telling what that result will be until the material is actually finished. I’or simplicity’s sake we will assume that a cushion square is to be dyed. Take up about the centre of the square with the thumb and linger and tic it securely with one end of a piece of string. The rest of the material is now wrapped very tightly with the string in the form of a long roll. A'ou now proceed to dye in the usual way. See that the roll is completely immersed in the dye and allow it to boil (if a hot water dye is used) for about twice the usual time, as otherwise the dye will not permeate to the centre of the roll. No Bugbears of Patchiness. One of the bugbears of ordinary flat dyeing is the constant fear that the material will turn out patchy. In string

I dyeing this does not matter, any patj chiness adding to, rather than spoti- ; ing, the effectiveness of the work. There { is, therefore, no -need to be continually I 1 stirring during the process. When the dyeing is finished, take the material out and rinse thoroughly in ‘ cold water before removing the string, then unwrap and dry. It will be found that the dye has not permeated evenly. but that a charming “spider s web” effect has been produced. Alaterials dyed in this way with one colour are very pleasing, but much piore striking effects are produced by the use of two or three colours, provided that care is taken to use only those colours which blend when mixed. Two-colour work is probably the most effective, since there is always the danger that a third colour will produce a rather dull effect. For Multi-Colour Dyeing. It should be borne in mind that the general colour of the finished fabric will be that produced by a mixture of the colours used. If, for example, yellow and blue are used, parts of the material will be yellow, some parts blue, but the general tone will be green. It is advisable to try out multicoloured w-ork on a piece of scrap material. When using two or more colours, start with the palest shade and work to the darkest. First dye the material in the palest l shade as before, then, after rinsing thoroughly, the string is removed and the material shaken out. It is then wrapped again and immersed in the second dye. If a third colour is desired this process is repeated. Variations in the above method may be introduced. You may, for example, tie the material in several places, or tie in a different place for the second or third dipping.