Most tie-dyed outfits I see tend to have a swirl pattern. In Liberia, tie-dye is an art form. “Tie and Dye” is one of the skills taught to fistula survivors at the Rehab Center. In 2012, we dignity advocates got a hands-on lesson in tie and dye from the instructor, Tawah. I would like to share my recollection of the process.
The patterns had different names such as triangle, iron titties, salad, and sugar cane. The way the cloth was folded and tied determined the resulting pattern. Some patterns did not require tying.
Dye produced the color, caustic made the dye go into the cloth, and Sulphur bound the dye to the material. During our lesson, we had to wear painter’s masks and gloves. After dying the cloth, we spread it out on the ground to dry. Later the Tie and Dye students took the fabric to the creek and washed it. Next, the material was hung on lines to dry. The next day, Tawah showed me how to pound the cloth with a wooden club on a wooden block. It took a lot of strength and really brought out a shine! Of course, we bought some of the material – particularly the ones each of us had dyed.
The Rehab Center has requested bolts of good quality white cotton fabric for dying, as well as donations for the purchase of fabric and dye. If you would like to make a donation, please go to our Giving Page. We will soon post an expanded wish list that includes needs of the other instructors. In the meantime, please contact us to learn more.
The patterns had different names such as triangle, iron titties, salad, and sugar cane. The way the cloth was folded and tied determined the resulting pattern. Some patterns did not require tying.
Dye produced the color, caustic made the dye go into the cloth, and Sulphur bound the dye to the material. During our lesson, we had to wear painter’s masks and gloves. After dying the cloth, we spread it out on the ground to dry. Later the Tie and Dye students took the fabric to the creek and washed it. Next, the material was hung on lines to dry. The next day, Tawah showed me how to pound the cloth with a wooden club on a wooden block. It took a lot of strength and really brought out a shine! Of course, we bought some of the material – particularly the ones each of us had dyed.
The Rehab Center has requested bolts of good quality white cotton fabric for dying, as well as donations for the purchase of fabric and dye. If you would like to make a donation, please go to our Giving Page. We will soon post an expanded wish list that includes needs of the other instructors. In the meantime, please contact us to learn more.
RSS Feed