Hand Dyeing is Fun!

It has been quite a week. All though down most of the week with a bug, inspiration would hit and I did get a few things created. I have heard many describe their ribbons & lace as hand dyed pieces and often wondered what exactly is involved. Could it be as simple as dyeing Easter eggs I thought? Spent some time on line gathering information and viewing others work, then gathered together some bits and pieces. Since I didn't have real dye nor felt up to a trip to town I checked out the cupboards and found of all things a jar of beets that so far husband hadn't touched. What didn't take the beet juice to my satisfaction I painted in with red food coloring. I had a fun time and am pleased with the resulted. I see a Valentine in the making.

The top photos are my work in progress. This block was created during class this last November with Judith Baker Montano. I decided to try some new stitches (knotted buttonhole with beads) along with some old stitches. Many years ago (35 maybe, could it be?) I took a Brazilian Embroidery class with my sister in law Bonnie. Beautiful, detailed stitches using wonderful threads. I began filling in a section of the block with buillon stitches in a fan shape and then moved into flowers and buds. It was an inspiring afternoon home all day with the dog.