Life imitates art? Or is it the other way around?

Michael Kors Spring 2012 collection really resonates with the Vagabond's Daughter! The prints he uses are reminiscent of my eco bundles and pieces dyed with black walnut and chestnut. I have got to start posting more men's scarves and longies- traditional burmese sarong or pants that twist and tie. Super comfortable, and dare I say sexy!  

Some words about dyeing...

"Dyeing Words" isn't as dark as it sounds... This video features beautiful images captured by my husband, Tim Geaney, accompanied by by beautiful Brazilian music from Jovino Santos Netos and words associated with dyeing with all natural plant extracts.

Dyeing Words from Tim Geaney on Vimeo.

Line drying...then and now.

Nothing better than line dried. My silk scarves last month, and Harlem at the turn of the century.

Burnt Driftwood.

This scarf reminds me of the burnt logs left in the fire pit after a bonfire. Log gray and black at the ends. Logwood gray and iron were used to create this effect.

A sailors forecast.

My father loved to predict the weather. One rule of thumb was if you saw a pasture where the cows were all laying down, that means it will rain soon. Another was to remember this saying:
"Red sky at night, sailor's delight.
Red sky in morning, sailors take warning."
These persimmon colored scarves remind me of those ominous red skies seen at sunrise.
Madder, Cutch and Quebracho Red were used here.

Flags of freedom.

Tibetan Flags photo by Domo Geshe Rinpoche.

Some helper.

Inspiration from a friend.

I am always looking to be inspired for my next project. Most mornings I will check in on my laptop- mail, then facebook. Each morning my friend, fashion photographer Patrice Casanova,  posts a picture for the day. Usually it's a flower. This one gave me fodder for my dye pots for 2 days straight! Merci, Patrice! Lac and Logwood were used.

Golf balls are good for something!

Yes, golf balls do have a purpose in my life, after all. My husband, Tim Geaney, can't seem to live without them, for obvious reasons. For years I have been dodging them as they whiz by my ears, or while I was horseback riding in the ring adjacent to his "driving range".
Now, I have discovered a use for them of my own. Shibori dyeing with these white wonders have created a cool effect that I will repeat again and again. You can see how they have been wrapped in the fabric, and then dipped in the Indigo. The Indigo comes out of the vat a bright coppery green, and then within minutes of hitting the air oxidizes and becomes that iconic indigo blue. The other scarf was dyed using pop beads from an old necklace, resulting in a smaller diamond pattern. These pieces are a cotton and cashmere blend, suitable for both men and women. The "golf" scarf was double dipped, first in Quebracho Yellow, then the Indigo bath. Safe to say that Tim will likely be the only golfer on the course wearing his golf ball shibori neck scarf, although he has started trends before!

"Find yourself a trade wind". (The Rum Diaries by Hunter S. Thompson)

These scarves in the wind remind me of the tall ships and their billowing sails.

Just adjusted.