Just finished this and really enjoyed it. A journalist - who’s father committed suicide on his 33rd birthday - is writing an article about suicide and wondering if it’s genetic or if one sees the sublime before they go. As we near the journalists 33rd birthday, we learn about suicides from historical, religious, and existentialist viewpoints.
I’ve dyed some vans a few years ago with natural indigo (pic 3). Did some shibori napkins with the same dye. Neither gave me issues.
This weekend I used a Rit Indigo kit that was given to me as a gift. Didn’t realize until I’d already submerged the pants and shoes that it was a synthetic dye. It didn’t have that green tone that turns blue as it oxidizes. I left them in for almost 30 minutes because they were coming out a really bright blue rather than a deep indigo. I put them in the fixative because the instructions said it would intensify the colors. After a rinse they’re super light periwinkle.
After I was done I tried to read up on what I did wrong and it looks like possibly the dye needs to be at near boiling temperatures to activate. Some people do this over the stove!? I put hot tap water in but apparently that’s nowhere near hot enough.
I’d like to buy a natural indigo kit and re-dye these. Will it work since I’ve already added fixative? Will that block the new dye from absorbing into the fabric?
