Iron ink solution - Rusted chair used as a source of iron
Iron Ink is a solution we developed using iron, rusted iron objects, tamarind, and jaggery. It is what we use to get most of our blacks and greys, through a series of reactions with the fibre.
For this corduroy, the fabric is dipped repeatedly in Iron Ink instead of being left to sit in it for long periods. The surface develops uneven tones of dark grey and brown from rust, with subtle, irregular rust marks running along the wales.
After dyeing, the fabric almost resembles a mild steel surface that has started to weather. Its matte, has slightly uneven in tones, with soft signs of oxidation.
Arjun bark
The second corduroy is dyed using a combination of Arjun bark, coffee, walnut shells, and iron. The process builds up a warm, muted beige which closer to the colour of cardboard or dried wood.
The walnut and coffee darken the base while the Arjun bark holds the tone, and the iron brings it down just enough to keep it from looking too light or washed out.
Where the Iron Ink version reads almost aged metal, this one feels more dry and fibrous in character like something that has been sitting out and ageing on its own.
