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.

130 x 70 cm

Not for sale

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.

79 x 117 cm

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View: Detailed close up

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.

70 x 130 cm

Not for sale

Kimono Quilt - 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.

101 x 74 cm

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View: Detailed close up

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.

60 x 36 cm

Sold