I studied stitched and tied resist dyed textiles while working on the Diploma in Stitched Textiles. Referred to as Adire in Africa, Bandhani in India and Amarras in South America, these techniques are most often categorised as Shibori and today this Japanese term has almost become generic.

While I admire and use some of the African techniques, I am most often drawn back to the Japanese methods, especially Arashi Shibori - which means "pole wrapped and tied before dyeing".

I began this series in 2001 using my own Shibori dyed fabrics. For me, Shibori is both controlled (in the stitching, tying and wrapping), and uncontrolled (in how the dye is absorbed by the fibres). Pure magic.

Reflections I
Three layers form a curtain appearance, inspired by the Japanese noren or door curtain. Using Arashi shibori, the dyed fabrics produce a wave effect; and the velvet gives a reflective quality according the direction of the light. The hand stitching uses threads that were wrapped around the fabric during dyeing.

Fabric reactive dyes (Procion) used with silk and viscose velvet, cotton voile, cotton organdie and silk. Hand dyed cotton, silk and rayon threads.

Reflections II
Continuing the theme of reflected light, this quilt is constructed from panels of Arashi dyed velvet on dyed cotton wadding that is visible - an integral part of the design. The texture is very tactile and sensuous.

Fibre reactive dyes used with silk and viscose velvet, cotton wadding and cotton lawn. Machine quilted using rayon thread. Hand pieced with cotton threads that were wrapped around the fabric during dyeing.

Click for close-up detail.

Reflections III
This piece started out as a whole cloth quilt. The fabric was folded double before wrapping and dyeing - resulting in a virtual mirror image. Windows of sheer fabric enhance the effect of looking through reflections. Corded quilting and insertion of wire at the back of the quilt accentuate a 3D perspective.

Fibre reactive dyed cotton lawn and cotton organdie. Polyester wadding. Machine and hand quilted using silk, cotton and rayon threads that were wrapped around the fabric during dyeing.

Reflections VII
Experimenting with some African tied resist techniques led to this Kimono quilt. The centre panel was tie dyed using marbles, while the narrow strips were plaited before dyeing. Couched cording along the seam lines and around the edge frame the Kimono shape.

Indigo dyed cotton lawn and percale. Machine pieced and quilted. Couched cotton yarn. Fusible cotton and polyester wadding. Cotton, rayon and metallic threads.

Click for close-up detail.

Reflections X
The element of surprise after dyeing this fabric was just wonderful. Graduated depth of colour in the gentle flowing waves of blue evoked memories of watching the tide gently ebb at the shore on a calm summer night.

Indigo dyed cotton percale. Machine pieced and hand quilted. Cotton and polyester wadding. Cotton and silk threads.

Reflections XI
Stitched resist that formed a grid was used as a base to layer and apply some little pieces of African fabrics. The resulting texture and colour has produced a very pleasing effect.

Indigo dyed cotton lawn. Cotton, linen, silk and silk organza. Machine appliqué and quilting. Fusible cotton and polyester wadding. Cotton and metallic threads.