Experiments in wet cyanotype - part 66

 

I've collected vintage textiles, in a casual way, for a long time. I like table runners, tablecloths, and what used to be called dresser scarves. These were almost always done from kits or pattens, and used to be a mainstay of middle class decor, stitched by homemakers. They are abundantly available in flea markets, or sometimes people gift them to me, knowing I will respect them and try to give them new life.

This particular table runner had been languishing in a bin for many years. I liked the design and stitching, but couldn't warm up to the color scheme. So I used it to further my experiments with wet cyanotype and solarfast printing.

 I cut the runner in half, to give me two canvases, applied the chemicals, and added ferns as resists

Here is one of them, under glass, and just starting to expose. I am getting excited at this point!

Here are the two prints after exposure but before rinse out.

And here they are after rinse out.

I am mildly disappointed at this juncture. The Prussian blue from the cyanotype is too heavily concentrated in some areas, and the embroidery has been overwhelmed. There's a few things potentially going on here. The fabric is unknown, but probably linen. It is thick and fairly coarsely woven (to make the embroidery easier). It soaked up a LOT of chemicals. Also, I'm certain this was starched heavily at various times, and while I washed it, some starch probably remains and affects the uptake and response to exposure.

So, what to do? This is the fun of experimentation, because you can always keep trying. I used a washing soda solution to selectively bleach out some of the areas, followed by more rinsing, and I'm happy with the results. Here's the finished prints.

Some of the fern edges are a bit indistinct, again due to the thick fabric and the embroidery could use a bit more highlighting, but both those issues can easily be fixed by stitching and/or painting. All in all, a good first try of using my process on vintage linens. 

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