Recently I’ve been working on a slightly different way of painting silk. Taking a leaf out of my approach to gardening which categorically states ‘patience is a virtue’ I have applied this to my silk work.
This means doubling the time and work. Each design is drawn out, painted with mostly paler colours and then steamed. With the first layer fixed another design and more colour is applied over the first and then steamed again. The finished pieces have a deeper more complex and subtle appearance and look as if they have been made of layers.
The initial design is based on my Tudor bows series and then I’ve added some favourite motifs from my Ranworth scarves.
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Agnes Ashe 
This is a work of art! The process seems so elaborate and your photos outlining it are really interesting. The result is gorgeous – the textures, layers and colours. I imagine this would be too labour intensive to do often.
You are so right. I’ve enjoyed doing this – you get unexpected effects, but realistically the time taken does not make this a viable option. I think I could see a way of it working if only one layer is detailed. I might try doing a ‘wash’ layer similar to working in watercolour, steam and then do a detailed design. Thanks for you comments. Hope you’ve got to grips with the tripod!
These look wonderful. If they’re so labour intensive, I guess they’ll become family treasures and very special heirlooms.
It’s funny you should say that I was only looking last week at one of my early scarves which I had given to my late mother about 20 years ago and I was pleased to see how pristine it still looked. Although I was sad that it was back with me, but I expect I’ll give it to my daughter at some point as she is the same colouring as my mother.
what a beautiful pattern !
Thank you and a nod to the Tudor artisans too!