WORKROOM TECHNIQUE


14


This is particularly useful when dyeing lengths intended for rolled petals or leaves, where the colour variation will


be revealed gradually as the piece is shaped.


15


Wet the sinamay thoroughly before dipping. Dry sinamay will absorb the dye unevenly, creating streaks.


16


Cut a bias-cut piece of sinamay (I used 20 x 10 cm), fold in half lengthwise, roll it up and secure with a pin to keep it compact while dipping in the dye.


17


Choose a small jar or container, add some diluted dye, then add water to get the right height for the ombré effect.


18


Dip from light to dark: lower the piece into the dye and let it absorb. Add more diluted dye if necessary.


19


The submerged end will be darkest; the section just at the waterline will be palest. Work from the lighter end up. Build gradually: rather than trying to achieve the full depth in one dip, work in stages. Dip, check, raise slightly, dip again. A piece can sit in the jar for ten minutes or half an hour. What matters is watching the waterline, this is where the gradient lives, and moving the piece up or down shifts where the transition falls. Some blotting with a damp cloth can also help blur a line that has become too defined.


20


Once you are happy with the gradient, leave it to dry on a towel in the same orientation in which it was dipped.


21


Now experiment freely – dip each end of the roll into different colours and at different heights to build up layered gradients.


august 2026 | 73


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