farm blues

the day began with the promise of blue...

as I readied to teach a class of eight

dyeing with indigo here at Long Ridge

last weekend

through the morning students learned

how to make the indigo stock and prepare

for dyeing.

then the gloves went on,

vats got adjusted,

and the dipping was copious,
from yarns to fabric to clothing.

Anne dipped while Rita ran the timer.

one of the perks of smart phones...a stopwatch

Rita decided to dip a strand of hair.

it's protein afterall.

and yes it took the blue.

Luna, as usual, was in heaven

under the dye tables with

a group of happy students

a thunderstorm came up rather quickly and

after a mad dash to move tables, dye vats and dyed

fibers under cover, the dyeing resumed.

the blues acheived were breathtaking.

teacher and students most happy

this piece of fabric was in early stages

of multiple dips for intentional

areas of saturation

there was lots of discussion as work

progressed through dips

and in the garden my indigo has sprouted

and is doing quite well. It had a late

start getting planting due to the excess rain this spring

but I will get one harvest, for certain.

and it's a good learning experience

before planting a larger area next year.

and the woad is looking great as well

I am not thinning too much

as it doesn't mind a bit of squeeze play.

the blues are thriving here on the farm!