Fabric dyeing is my Jam!

This journey began during my sophomore year in college when I volunteered to shadow a fellow fashion design student Kara*. She was going to create a line to present at our club’s fashion show. I was extremely excited because I knew I was going to gain a new experience, and at the same time be up close and personal in my first fashion show. I was eager to help in any way possible. Kara* wanted to try a fabric dyeing technique called marbling to create a cool surface design. This technique was done in a gel bath we created with PVC pipes for the frame and tarps (expensive and lots of assembly required). The process was a rough start, but the results were amazing. Once we finished dyeing Kara’s* fabrics for her line, our professor Patti* encouraged me to dye some fabric that she supplied.

When I pulled my first dyed fabric from the bath, it was love at first sight. It was the most beautiful piece that I had ever seen. I never looked back from that day. Since then, I looked up everything that had to do with fabric dyeing. I craved more and took every opportunity that was offered to dye fabric. I even used up my elective credits to do an independent study on dye techniques. To say the least, fabric dyeing was my favorite thing to do. It gave me such a thrill to think of all the techniques to try, color dyes to mix, and the endless possibilities. It also helped that these dyeing adventures were backed and supported by Patti*. Patti* was always ready to see what I created next and pushed me to try different things or colors. We tried many techniques, such as shibori, ice dyeing, snow dyeing, solid tub, and silk painting. Patti* raved to students, teachers, friends, and family alike about my creations, and eventually they were known through our department as “Princess Dye”.

Aside from the praise, what I really loved the most about fabric dyeing is how connected I felt with each project. In my lowest moments in college, I would come to the lab to dye some fabric as an escape. By the end, I had created something beautiful out of the chaos, and would leave in a better mood. When I dyed, I was at peace, there were no thoughts, just feelings and instinct. Whenever I was in the dye lab, I felt safe, I was home. That was when I realized that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

It brings me joy to be inspired by the different dye techniques and preparing the fabric to give off a unique design. It built up my confidence as a designer to explore, and express my creativity, passion, and emotion through art. Although there were some mistakes and learning curves along the way, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the avenue of fashion where I belonged.

At that moment, it felt like the clouds had parted and a ray of sun shined down upon me. It filled me with clarity. I thought, finally, I found my creative niche and I want to share it with the world. I was able to do so by cutting up the fabric, making them into garments, and showcasing them to the very fashion show that started it all. The result of the garments were my proudest moments as a designer. With what was left, I made into beautiful hand dyed scarves to sell on Etsy and the rest is history.