Bob's Botanical Beauty



The process of botanical dyeing itself is fairly straight forward once you learn the steps and gather the materials. But, natural dyestuff can be unpredictable and unrepeatable and unlike commercial dyes, there's an element of chance with the outcome. When using things like leaves, the time of year, difference in trees, unique variances of processing the bundles, and a whole host of other factors all play with the outcome on the fabric.

By the end of this quilt, that fleeting, unrepeatable chance in a moment of time is what this quilt became about. The time gathering leaves on my walks from work to home, taking different routes exploring my neighborhood, finding different trees and bushes that each gave a leaf or two. The time with neighbors and friends who gave me leaves and flowers from their yards and gardens. The time watching the botanical life that surrounds me in an urban environment of concrete and steel.This was made during a specific time in late summer and early fall in Denver. A time that is passed and unrepeatable but captured in the fabric and stitches of my quilt.

Stay tuned for more Botanical Printing classes with Jennifer coming in late spring/early summer once there are leaves again!
Comments on this post (2)
What an amazing quilt and a wonderful story of its creation. Also, tying together the sold fabrics in the colors of leaves with the hand-dyed fabrics is inspired. And now you’re inspiring all of us to try this technique. Thanks for sharing.
— Marcia Rodgers
Wow! What a stunningly beautiful piece. Congratulations! Just Wow!!
— Thea