The Dyeing Process!!! How to Dye Wool.

I ordered a few dyes from KraftKolour (click here to view website). The dyes from KraftKolour 

How to - Dye Wool Fibres (fabric, yarn, fleece etc) using Acid Milling Dyes

Formulas for dyeing can fluctuate depending on the depth of colour you desire and the thickness, weight and type of material you use. Some formulas can also be very confusing. It is always wise to do a few sample pieces first. Always use caution and safety gear. It is advised that you use instructions from your supplier and then vary.

This is the instructions on how I dyed a hand knitted neck piece with Acid Milling Dye - it will be worn as part of my collection for Perth Fashion Festival.

What you will need - a big pot, a stirring spoon, acid milling dye (in the colour of your choice), household vinegar, salt, water and a stove or hotplate (plus any safety gear- gloves, mask etc).

1. Wet your material thoroughly.

2. Place 1lt of water in large pot on low heat. (use enough water so that your material is completely immersed)

3. Add Dye (I used about two teaspoons mixed in about 100ml of water) and pre-wetted material.

4. Stir continuously.

5. Gradually heat (this may take around 20mins). Make sure you only simmer, don't boil.

6. Remove fabric from dye bath.

7. Add vinegar (50ml dissolved in 100mls water) and stir

[It is important to note - that you always add acid to water and never water to acid, otherwise a violent reaction may occur.]

8. Add salt (I use about 2-4 tablespoons dissolved in 100mls water) and stir

9. Replace material and continue to stir.

10. Simmer until dye bath is exhausted. (you will know when it is exhausted because the water will be clear)

11. Rinse well and dry.

And you are done!!! 

Statement Jewellery Tutorial

Statement Jewellery Tutorial 

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photography by Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

Tutorial

French Knitted Wire Necklace: This is the easiest piece of jewellery you will ever make. I guarantee it.

All you need is:

• Wire of your choice (I used Designer Wire 20 gauge Gold 2x 10m bags)
• French knitting Kit also known as spool knitting or corking (you can usually pick this up from your local craft supplier or knitting and yarn shops)
• and a jewellery clasp (I used a magnetic three prong gold, I picked up from a bead supplier).

How to:

1. If you know how to french knit all you have to do is french knit the wire to the length you desire (If you're unsure of the length, drape a piece of string around your neck and use that as your guide). Cast on and off the same as you would yarn. If  you don't know how to french knit check out this youtube video to see how, keeping in mind you will be using wire instead of yarn. If your wire is too think you will need to use pliers instead of a hook.

2. Squeeze each (finished) end in on itself so it is easy to add the jewellery clasp.

3. Sew on the clasp using wire (you may need to get some thinner wire if your wire is too thick for the clasp loops).

Your necklace is ready to wear!!! You can add or vary depending on what you want. I used this necklace at my last runway show. I added a bunch of thinner french knitted wire to the front of the necklace for more volume.

(Images above- Photography by Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

Good luck and I hope this tutorial inspires you to make some jewellery.
 Enjoy!!!

Knit One, Pearl One

(Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Georgia Duncan from Scene Model Management)

I knitted this head piece back in 2008. Initially, it was a belt but was styled as a headband for this photo shoot by one of my fav designers Sooyung Yang.

The cream knitting is made via the Shima Seiki (knitting machine) housed at the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Sooyung Yang is the specialised programmer for the machine. It knits whole garments for a seamless finish. 

A Touch of Wool III

(Image sourced from 'Design for Comfort' the 2009 catalogue)

I have been invited to showcase a collection at 'A Touch of Wool III' fashion show.

 In past years designers such as: Aurelio Costarella, Rebecca Patterson, Megan Salmon and Sooyung Yang to name a few have shown at this event.

The show will be held at Perth Fashion Festival, Fashion Central, Forrest Chase, Western Australia.

The entry is free!

‘A touch of wool’ has grown from the Design for Comfort collaborative research project between The Department of Agriculture and Food WA and Curtin University. It focuses on innovative science and design technology within the area of WA wool fibre research.

The most exciting part of this event is that a farming group called the West Australian Superfine Woolgrowers Association (WASWA) have put together some very fine quality wool for the designers of this show to use! This wool is unique, rare and therefore expensive. It is as fine as cashmere.This wool is usually seen in high quality fashion garments. 

And now my work begins. 

Statement Jewellery

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, Model: Amanda MacDonald, MUA: Elsie Tan)

(Designer: bek bek timson ,Photography by Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

 (Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Stephi Mclean) 

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

More Blue Gown Images

Designer: bek bek timson

Photographer: Scott G Trenorden

MUA: Elsie Tan

Model: Alanna O

Lighting and photographers assistant: Megan Henderson

Crew: Tracie Cross

Gold Dress Images

The Gold Dress. 

Designer: bek bek timson

Photographer: Scott G Trenorden

Model: Rachael Anne Cross 

MUA: Elsie Tan, 

Lighting/Photographers assistant:Megan Henderson 

Crew: Tracie Cross.

Mens Knitwear

Home Ground Fashion Show

Designer: bek bek timson
Photographer: Penny Lane
Model: Tom Bull.

The Big Gold Dress

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, MUA: Elsie Tan, Model: Rachael Anne Cross)

Home Ground Fashion Show

(image via Penny Lane Photography, Model: Rachael Anne Cross)

The Beaded Gold Dress

This dress was initially designed and made for my collection for the NRA Australian Design Awards. It was one of three dresses for this event. This gown has since been in the Vampire Photo Shoot and in the 'Home Ground' fashion show.

(Image via fashionscene.com.au)

Vampire photo shoot. 

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, MUA: Elsie Tan, Model: Rachael Anne Cross)

Home Ground fashion 

(Photo via: Penny Lane, Model: Jess Maloney from Scene Model Management)