Polka Dots Part Two

I couldn't resist posting another set of polka dots.  Allison Rose was printing big yards of polka dots today- the same pattern in two different color ways (both with thickened dye).  Hanging on the clotheslines around her were two other polka dots I thought I'd share- the last one is my own, printed with textile inks using a combination of stencil prints and photo-silkscreens.  The green cloth is student work printed with thickened dye.

Polka Dots

I photographed three different students' work this afternoon- three unique approaches to springtime polka-dots!  What's not to love?  The first example is a stencil print printed with ink and tape resists, the second and third are stencil prints printed with thickened dyes and over-dyed with dye washes.  Everyone's in love with Procion MX Golden Yellow dye, it seems to be a studio favorite these days. 

Screen-Printed Animal Friends

Kate O'Leary, another fabulous monitor in our department, has been printing these animals with thickened dyes.  These are stitched together with another printed cloth and stuffed with bamboo.    For more about Kate, check out her website www.kateoleary.com 

Printing with thickened dyes is one of the coolest ways to alter cloth- once the thickener is washed out your fabric goes back to its original feel and drape, making this the perfect technique for printing on clothing, plush toys, and home furnishings.  There is a ten week Printing with Thickened Dyes class in session now (stay tuned to the blog for pictures of what they're up to this week) and another eight week session will start in July.  The summer schedule and registration should open any day now.  

New First Time Sewing Class Added!

By popular demand, we have added another section of First Time Sewing to our listings.  The first section filled almost immediately, so if you've been wanting to learn the basics, now's your chance!  Andrea Loest's classes are a hit!  Click on the Lillstreet link on the sidebar to register, or call 773.769.4226.

New/Old Curtains!

One of our favorite monitors, Rachel Walker, has been printing up a storm. This is one of a pair of white curtains that she found at the thrift store. They are cotton printed with thickened dyes. If you've never taken a print for fabric class before, stop by and see what's hanging on our clotheslines when you're in the neighborhood. New classes start Monday the 27th. See sidebar for a link to Lillstreet's website to register.

Natural Dyeing

Pamela Feldman's Yarn Painting with Natural Dyes Class.  In June she will be offering a four day intensive Natural Dyeing Class.  See the images below for a preview of what's to come.  Our early summer (June) and summer (July and August) catalogs are at the printers and will be online and in print form in the next week or two.  Check back for schedule updates, there are lots of great workshops and classes  in store.

                         Natural Dye Sample Books

Welcome

Welcome to Lillstreet Textile Department's new blog! We'll be posting information about upcoming classes and workshops, as well as showing off what we're up to.

Stay tuned for images and writing about faculty, monitor, and student work!