Both Terry and I like collecting things, especially if they're a bit rusty. So a walk along the beach, digging in the allotment or a stroll around the farm means rich picking grounds for us – car parts, nuts, bolts, random metal bits, old garden shears, horse shoes...you name it we've probably collected it.
Recently, I was especially excited to receive a gift of
a wooden box full of old bent, rusty nails.
So, why are we so keen on all things rusty?
To colour fabric... naturally!
If you take a close look at some of our most recent quits you may have spotted bits of our rusty stash creeping in. In her quilt 'Shingle Garden' Terry incorporated fabric marked by rusty car parts found on the beach. Don’t you think they look like ammonites?
I can’t remember what I used to rust the fabric for ‘the fruits of my labour’, but it gave the effect I was looking for – old, crinkly paper.
If you would like to have a go at rusting fabric you will need:
· rusty bits or (and this is pretty crucial)metal items which will rust
· deep flat container – a cat litter tray is perfect
· washed (but doesn’t need to be dry) fabric – natural fabrics take the rust better so try cotton, linen, wool or silk
· water
· vinegar or tea (optional)
Sometimes I wrap the fabric around the object if it is large but usually I just scrunch and layer the fabric and rusty items in the bottom of the plastic tray; it’s essential that the rusty object is fully in contact with the fabric. Once you are happy wet the fabric and rusty objects and cover with a layer of plastic to stop from drying out.
Vinegar and / or tea will speed up the rusting process. Malt vinegar will give the fabric an aged, creamy finish whilst tea gives a range of grey/ black marks in addition to the rust.
· rusty bits or (and this is pretty crucial)metal items which will rust
· deep flat container – a cat litter tray is perfect
· washed (but doesn’t need to be dry) fabric – natural fabrics take the rust better so try cotton, linen, wool or silk
· water
· vinegar or tea (optional)
Sometimes I wrap the fabric around the object if it is large but usually I just scrunch and layer the fabric and rusty items in the bottom of the plastic tray; it’s essential that the rusty object is fully in contact with the fabric. Once you are happy wet the fabric and rusty objects and cover with a layer of plastic to stop from drying out.
Vinegar and / or tea will speed up the rusting process. Malt vinegar will give the fabric an aged, creamy finish whilst tea gives a range of grey/ black marks in addition to the rust.
The fabric and rusty bits need to be left for at least 24 hours to allow the oxidation process to weave its magic; just don’t let the fabric dry out, if it does spritz it with more water. No peaking, leave it well alone!
Once the fabric has rusted to your satisfaction, rinse with cold water to thoroughly to remove all traces of metal. I then give it a wash using hand wash liquid with a splash of fabric conditioner in the final rinse. Iron and then admire!
Be aware that rusted areas will not be as robust, so I wouldn’t recommend rusted fabrics are included in quilts which are to be frequently used and laundered.
I hope you enjoy experimenting with rusting fabrics. I wonder, will different teas leave different colours? If you find out, do let me know!
Hazel
Hazel
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