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Thursday, November 02, 2006

My New Toy...


is a steam press, intended for domestic ironing, but which is great for transfer dyeing. No more endlessly moving the iron over a bit of lutradur, muttering under my breath when the edge of the iron transfers, or the holes in the iron give me unintended, albeit interesting, white circles in the image. And the depth of colour I'm getting is definitely better than I got with an ordinary iron (though that is possibly down to my lack of patience...no, actually, probably down to said lack of patience...).

That said, there's a steep learning curve. How long does one keep the lutradur in the press before it melts? Which combination of time and heat is the right one? I'm not entirely sure, yet. I've made a couple of unexpected holes already... So, I guess I'll just have to go back upstairs and see what's what, do a bit more practicing...take a CD or two up, and a player, and listen to some Joni Mitchell... sounds like a good plan to me! Meanwhile, here's one I pressed earlier, in true Blue Peter fashion; see what you think.

I'm awaiting another new toy; I ordered an embellisher on Friday, under the influence of That Woman Sandy (told you I'd blame you!!). It should have arrived by now, but no such luck, perhaps next week. Or then again, maybe better next week; I've got a Well meeting tomorrow, a dolly to make and a portrait, too... as well as a couple of projects for a book to write up...
Busy, busy... but I went for a Reiki treatment with my friend Melanie in Norwich last night, so I'm feeling balanced and energetic. Thank goodness for that!

5 comments:

Sayward said...

Have you ever covered the bottom of your iron with aluminum foil? That prevents the little steam holes.

Anonymous said...

Melanie is, in fact, incredible.

As to irons the ones without holes are at least fifty years old and reside in thrift and op shops.

I lust after both the steam press and the embellisher. Where I should put them I do not know.

I am in clean house, clean out, cleanse, move furniture, rearrange energy in this space mode.

I expect by the time I come to the end of all that I will have also come to the end of the hiatus in my work. t

His Office, My Studio said...

New toys are always fun. Enjoy them!

Anonymous said...

Is it me or is the colour stronger?
It looks very lush and lovely.
Lynda

Digitalgran said...

I am so jealous. Two things I yearn for, a Steam Press and an Embellisher. i'm sure you make great use of them.
I agree with you, we stitchers do tend to think nothing's complete without at least a few stitches.