This week, my Costume Crafts turned in their fabric samples, testing out various painting and dying techniques that are commonly used in theatrical costume technology. As part of our "Radial Symmetry" theme semester, they were encouraged to be inspired by their research from the Museum of Natural History last month, as well as other sources. This was also an opportunity for me to pass along my own experiments from my sabbatical as well as some standard skills.
The first one they completed was an easy, instant gratification project- marbling.
Using the chemicals and paints from Dharma Trading, students practiced drawing patterns on the surface tension of the carrageen solution.
They also practiced one technique of shibori- a stitch resist technique used to create patterns when fabric is dip dyed. The added challenge was to color match a fabric swatch, figuring out the magical chemistry of time, heat, base, and dye.
Another dip dye technique involved first prepping the fabric using fiber etch to remove the plants based (rayon) fibers from a silk velvet or satin. More chemistry here to get a good match, but using an acid as the agent.
Students also created a faux batik using soy wax and cold process dye.
Lastly, students tested the print paste methods I learned at ProChem last spring, created striped fabric, and a free form mono- print design.