Naps & Nites Studio
I created hand-dyed silk Shibori clothing, kimonos, ruanas, ponchos, scarves, and accessories. I will have some zero-waste items made from silk, as well as hand-dyed yarn and fibers.
I use Shibori, a centuries old Japanese technique of binding, folding, twisting or stitching fabric before dyeing to create unique patterns in the fabric according to the way it was bound & dyed. I use white or black silk on the bolt, in many types of silks, then cut, hem each item with silk thread.
Artist Note: I am using my interpretation of the infinite styles of Shibori on silk to create my line of unique, elegant wearable art in the form of accessories, clothing and scarves. I work with silk as I am attracted to the luminous quality of silk as well as the numerous different textures that are available. Color also inspires me and I tend to work both monochromatically as well as using multiple color combinations or color ways. Being completely self-taught in this medium has allowed me the freedom to experiment without constraints. I have been blessed by God to have been given this talent to create beautiful wearable art that is inspired by the beauty that surrounds us here on earth as well as the women who wear my work. I have an intense need to create elegant art wear and it constantly amazes me what patterns emerge from the dyeing process!
I am currently exploring the process of discharging colored silk fabrics using Shibori, where I am binding the fabric in any number of ways, placing the fabric in a color removing solution to remove some of the color, rinsing the fabric and then over dyeing the still bound piece of fabric. The discharge process results in a “reverse” dyeing pattern with completely unpredictable patterning. The unique pattern is not completely revealed until the fabric opened and unbound and dry. I love to finally be able to see the results of the Shibori process and liken it to opening gifts on Christmas morning! I am constantly amazed by the entire process and continue to seek innovative ways to use my dyed fabrics in my accessories and clothing designs. I am also exploring ways to repurpose silk byproducts from my production in a zero waste, eco friendly way by using free motion stitching to make a “new” fabric which I then use for coats or other accessories. In addition I am also experimenting with using some different natural fibers such as cotton knit jersey and working with that to create a new but similar line of items I already create in silk.