Allison Dennis's Gallery

About this Gallery: Each color in these pieces is laid in one at a time. The fabric is first immersion dyed in several different dye baths to establish a ground. Then each element is laid in one layer on top of the other. It’s a very time consuming process but it is the only way to develop the complexity and richness of the coloration. The final step in the coloration process is the application of the ‘burn out’ or ‘Devore’, from the French term ‘ to devour’, which is achieved by applying a chemical paste to the cloth which, when it is dried and heated allows me to scrape the velvet pile from the surface of the cloth revealing the transparent silk ground. This elegant, versatile garment is a glorious addition to one’s wardrobe.