Rust Month Wrap-Up

Happy Halloween everyone! Today I wrap up my rust dyeing posts.  this month's posts have been an exceprt from my online video workshop Natural Dyeing With Rust.  In this workshop I cover another technique for creating rust dyed fabric.

Also, I have a free ebook, Working With Rust Dyed Fabrics available with some tips on working with your rust dyed fabrics.

And finally, a few more photos of rust and indigo blocks.

And lastly, a short promotional video for my workshop:

 Thanks to Beth and Judith for having me this month, and I look forward coming back again.

FAQ's and Quilt Blocks

It seems that I get asked the sames questions about rust dyeing fabric all the time.  So I thought I'd answer a few of them here.

• Is the rust dyed fabric archival?  NO!  Think about it, iron oxide is a corrosive and will eat away at metal.  Fabric is no match for it.  It will eventually eat away the fabric, but that can take a long time.  It depends on the fabric itself, how strong a layer or rust and other factors.      So if you want something that has the potential to be around for a very, very long time; rust dyed fabrics may not be the best choice. 

• How long does it take to rust the fabric?  This depends on several factors.  The rusty item you are using; what kind of shape is it in.  I've actually found that some metal pieces can be to rusted.  The rust actually forms a protective barrier and attempts to prevents  more rust from forming.  And the fabric plays a big part.  Along with the weather and humidity.  The rusting action happens quicker in warmer weather.

• What types of fabrics rust best?  I've had success with all kinds of fabrics, both natural and synthetic.  The only fabrics I've not had success with is fabric with a very thick pile and very slippery fabrics.

•  Can the rust be removed or discharged?  So far I've had no success either removing or discharging rust.

What To Do With Your Rust Fabric 

I've never had the courage to do anything with my rust fabric.  As QuiltSwissy says, it is beautiful all on its own.  But after a while you may want to do something more than stash in the closet.  Hers is what my friend did with some of my rust and indigo fabrics.

While they are a little traditional for me, I will admit my fabric looks good in these blocks.

Rust Dyed Fabric

Now that you know some basic rust dyeing techniques, lets take a look at a few finished pieces of fabric.  I did most of these pieces back in February, when the weather here was a little on the cool side.  But as you can see, rust does happen, even if it takes a little longer.

rusty rings on muslin

detail of rusty rings

details

details

more rings on muslin

detail of ring

rings and paint can lid on muslin

rings and lawn staples on denim

detail of denim