Ice Dye is the follow up to my first collection with Paintbrush Studios, Shibori Dye. Where shibori is controlled and geometric, ice dyeing is organic and mysterious. Snow or ice is packed on top of fabric, then dye powder is sprinkled over the ice. As it melts, the dyes mix and bond with the fibers, creating unexpected color blends and shapes. These prints came directly from my dye studio and are reproduced at their original fat quarter scale. Available on multiple base cloths, including cotton double gauze.

https://pbsfabrics.com/collections/ice-dye-by-kim-eichler-messmer

When I was first learning how to dye fabric in college, I was amazed by how many different patterns and textures I could make through the process of shibori - the Japanese art of folding, tying, wrapping, or otherwise manipulating fabric to resist dye. The love and fascination has never left me. No two fabrics are ever the same. This collection of fabrics is taken directly from my dye studio and some of my favorite fabrics that I have dyed. It’s available in 3 colorways: indigo, coral, and black. 

Download a free quilt pattern I wrote just for this fabric. It’s a great way to use bold prints. Plus there’s a layout option for each of the 3 colorways!

IMBUE means to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality; infuse, tincture, soak. This is how I like to think about hand-dyed fabrics. They are infused not only with color and pattern, but with the intentions of the maker as well. These modern batiks were printed and dyed by hand in Indonesia and the designs came from my own hand dyed fabrics. The colors are rich and saturated and the slight imperfections in the print add character, movement, and a glimpse into the process of their creation.

IMBUE is a line of 22 hand printed and dyed batiks, designed by me, printed by masterful artisans in Indonesia, and distributed by Marcus Fabrics.