A Passion for Colour

Ruth Issett's talk on Friday evening about her "passion for colour" included a fascinating slideshow of her work and some of the countryside views that have inspired her.  The tables were covered in a wonderful selection of dyed fabrics and stitched pieces - in fact, the hall was transformed into a riot of colour!

Ruth Issett

Ruth explained how she keeps books of reference samples of all the dyes she uses on a range of fabrics, showing how the same dye reacts with each fabric to produce different effects.  

Often starting with collaged papers, she translates her ideas to fabric or other surfaces.  Any dye left over can be used as an ink to add or alter colours further.  

Ruth Issett

The following day's workshop focussed on using a number of accessible print techniques on fabric, and then modifying them with the addition of direct dye colour.  Ruth showed us how to apply fabric paint with a roller - not necessarily as straightforward as one might expect - and how to create patterns with brushes or stamps.

  

Ruth advised limiting one's colour palettes, in order to keep colours clear, and then playing with combinations.  Not that the results were in any way limited!  Playing with colour is fascinating and addictive, and "a passion for colour" is in no way an understatement.