◘ Japanese shibori is my favorite process. Shibori is an ancient bound resist dyeing technique which involves folding, stitching, tying, clamping, and/or binding the fabric and the use of multiple dye/discharge baths. Types of shibori in my repertoire include kirameki, makiage, arashi, bomaki, yanagi, kumo, origami, and itajime. Often, several of these methods are combined in a single scarf.
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◘ Devoré is a process that utilizes a silk based fabric with a rayon overlay which is chemically “burned out” to create the pattern. The rayon is then hand-painted and steamed to set the dyes. Afterward, the entire scarf is over-dyed using a different process to create the contrasting background. I favor patterns derived from nature…under water currents, leaves, pebbles, etc. Many of my devoré scarves are lined with silk charmeuse for extra richness and elegance.
◘ "Hanji" is a Japanese word meaning “puzzle pieces.” These one-of-a-kind reversible scarves feature a mélange of vintage silks combined with complementary hand-dyed silks. Because these scarves are fully lined with contrasting colors, they assume the appearance of several scarves depending how they are draped! "Ruffled Hanji" scarves feature swatches of vintage silk combined with a melange of hand-dyed silks. The ruffles sewn into the piece cascade effortlessly to create an easy-to-wear, softly feminine statement.
◘ "Fortuny" Pleated silk ombré (graduated color) scarves are hand-dyed and pleated in the style of Mariano Fortuny. An early 20th century Spanish designer, Fortuny was renowned for his Art Nouveau textiles. Today, his work is found only in the hands of collectors and in museums. While Fortuny’s exact production methods are still unknown, this scarf represents my personal take on the Fortuny “look.”
◘ Nuno felted silk scarves and shawls feature a silk base that has been worked with a fine overlay of the softest silk and merino wool roving so that that fibers meld into single fabric.
◘ Hand-woven & Dyed Cottons: The soft cotton open-weave fabric for these scarves is made by the men of a small village on the island of Java using traditional wooden looms. I hand-dye each scarf individually creating subtle variegations to complement the casual Northwest wardrobe. Coordinating stick pins give these scarves a little extra flair and help keep the scarf in place.
◘ Combination silks: These scarves are made using a variety of techniques. Dyes are hand painted to create subtle mottled effects. Additional layers of color and pattern are added by waxing, silk screening, stamping and/or over-dyeing
Photo Credit: Alice Britt
©2008 Alice Britt. All rights reserved.