How do you spiral?

[steve]

It sounds like such a basic fold--but maybe it is not.

How do you start your spiral. Do you have techniques that you use as you continue the spiral?

Steve

[Jaja]

You have probably seen some spiral modifications over the internet. I did few of them too.

[tiedyejudy]

I used to use a wooden clothespin to pinch the center of my spiral, then twisted it to form the folds.  Since I got Michael's DVD, I have used a salad fork to begin my spiral, then carefully shape the folds around themselves.  I also still use rubber bands to bind the swirl, instead of string... I'm lazy!  It gives me the pie sections already laid out, so I don't have to try and figure out where to put my colors!

Judy

[steve]

I used to use clothespins too. Like you I have shifted to forks--in most cases.  I don't like forks for onsies--too big a center for such a small garment. Sometimes I use the eraser side of a pencil for those.

As I work the fabric around the middle, I pull the excess fabric out frequently to keep the height more uniform and even out the pleats somewhat before continuing to work the fabric around the center.

I only twirl the center to get it started nice and tight in the middle, the wrap the fabric around--pulling out to tighten and even, the wrap a layer, the pull again. Make sense?

Steve

[Kathy]

I don't like forks for onsies--too big a center for such a small garment.

If you still have any of those cute little metal toddler forks laying around the house, they are great for doing spirals. Just snip off the 2 outer prongs and vioula!

Kathy

[steve]

If you still have any of those cute little metal toddler forks laying around the house, they are great for doing spirals. Just snip off the 2 outer prongs and vioula!

Kathy

Actually, I suppose that would work with any fork!

Thanks!

Steve

[Kathy]

Definately Steve! If the handle is a molded plastic(not moldy ) its more comfy to handle.

Kathy

[steve]

I have made some nice progress on a spiral tutorial in the wiki:

http://tie-dyewiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=spiral

Check it out! It's a work in progress! Add if you like.

[digitalcanvasimages]

I use a tiny seafood fork for baby clothes.

[Releaf]

I twirl by hand, starting with my thumb and forefinger.  I pull out and adjust the folds as I'm swirling.  Then I wrap fat masking tape around the outside of the disc and draw the pie lines on with a highlighter.  The highlighter washes right out, so it won't show when the shirt is done.  No strings, no rubber bands, no artificial sinew.  We save the sinew for more complicated designs, which my daughter ties. She does most of the tying and I do most of the dyeing. I'm in charge of swirls, because it's one thing I can do from start to finish by myself. 

 

[digitalcanvasimages]

Releaf:
Interesting! I'm going to try that!

[saguerogrande]

Hi
  I havent got around to it yet but perhaps today would be a good day to try.... the masking tape around the spiral, with no ties... My complication is that because of limited time and lack of hot sunlight I have to use a microwave to batch my products.  So it will be interesting to see what happens.  There is usually lots of liquid in the sealed container before I start the microwave so hopefully there will not be complications involved with the high heat. 
  While I am logged in I should say that I have received some transfer pipettes ordered from the web.  These ones are made of polypropelene and have a fluid reservoir of 1.5 ml with about a 7 cm narrow flexible spout.  With just the right balance of thickener to dye solution modified with detergent, they are the cat's pajamas for applying dye in tight spots.  I fill standard sized shot glasses with the dyes and work from there.  Some day I will post pictures but too busy today.  It is not difficult to understand the concept. 
I wonder if I will ever be able to batch my dyes outside this summer... So gloomy and wet out there so far.
Bob
Cactus Jammies Tie Dye
British Columbia, Canada
http://s1140.photobucket.com/home/cactusjammies

[ktaltre]

Speaking of Spirals..........
I saw tall, long legged, older women at Trader Joes last week wearing an amazing pair of cotton knit rainbow spiral/swirl (yoga?) pants. The swirl started right on one butt cheek. The outer spiral was then in horizontal stripes down the legs. Only someone with nice long legs could pull that off, haha. I wanted to accost her and ask to examine her pants, but I restrained myself; she probably would have let me, as I am female, but still. (crazy old lady)

Found this on youtube, very nice spirals!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5HgEHv4HmY&feature=related

Hi TieDyeJudy - watched your 2 spiral videos - you make nice spirals! Liked your extemporaneous bit at the end of part 1.
k. taltre

[happyhippierose]

Speaking of Spirals..........
I saw tall, long legged, older women at Trader Joes last week wearing an amazing pair of cotton knit rainbow spiral/swirl (yoga?) pants. The swirl started right on one butt cheek. The outer spiral was then in horizontal stripes down the legs. Only someone with nice long legs could pull that off, haha. I wanted to accost her and ask to examine her pants, but I restrained myself; she probably would have let me, as I am female, but still. (crazy old lady)

Found this on youtube, very nice spirals!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5HgEHv4HmY&feature=related

Hi TieDyeJudy - watched your 2 spiral videos - you make nice spirals! Liked your extemporaneous bit at the end of part 1.
k. taltre

I recently did a custom order that was a pair of yoga pants with a rainbow spiral - they were awesome!  i didn't think that spiraling pants would look as cool as they did.

here's the link to the album!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=187020314690406&set=a.164817466910691.41107.159025650823206&type=1&theater