MAIN PRODUCTION FOR THE PROJECT

Production Process of 'Threads of Heritage

The production of the 'Threads of Heritage' bag is a meticulously planned process that combines traditional craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and modern design techniques. Each step is carefully executed to ensure the final product reflects the cultural significance of the igisabo, adheres to eco-friendly principles, and celebrates the strength and resilience of Rwandan women.

This section provides a detailed overview of the production process, from the sourcing of materials to the final assembly of the bag. By documenting each stage, we aim to highlight the technical precision, cultural authenticity, and environmental responsibility that define this project.

Designing Molds

Unrolling surfaces from 3D to flat

Tie-Dye leather

Tie-Dye Process for Leather: From Preparation to Drying

This section documents the tie-dye process used to prepare the main leather for molding and creating the bag. The process follows the same workflow as the initial swatch experiment but with adjusted quantities to accommodate the larger scale of the project. Below is a detailed explanation of each step, from preparing the dye to drying the leather, ready for molding. Visual documentation (photos) is included at key stages to provide a clear representation of the process.

Materials Used:

Red onions: 4 kilograms

Water: 18 liters

Cow leather: 9 feet

Vinegar (Mordant): 2 liters

Wax thread for tying

Basket (as a container for dyeing)

Step 1: Preparing the Natural Dye

1. Collect and Prepare Onion Skins: Gather 4 kilograms of red onion skins. Ensure the skins are dry and free from dirt or debris.

2. Boil the Onion Skins: In a large pot, boil the onion skins in 18 liters of water for approximately 1–2 hours. As the skins boil, the water will gradually turn into a deep brownish-red dye.

3. Strain the Dye: After boiling, strain the liquid to remove the onion skins, leaving only the dye solution. Allow the dye to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Preparing the Leather for Dyeing

1. Clean and Prepare the Leather: Ensure the 9 feet of cow leather is clean and free from any residues. Do not cut the leather into smaller sections, as it must remain intact for the molding process.

2. Tie the Leather: Use wax thread to tie the leather in the desired pattern. For this project, the leather was tied in a way that creates a fragmented bullseye pattern, inspired by Imigongo art. Due to the thickness of the leather, the tying process was adjusted to ensure the dye penetrates evenly.

Step 3: Mixing the Dye with Mordant

1. Add Vinegar to the Dye: Pour 2 liters of vinegar into the cooled dye solution. Vinegar acts as a mordant, helping the dye adhere to the leather.

2. Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture for 3–5 minutes to ensure the vinegar is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Dyeing the Leathe

1. Soak the Leather: Submerge the tied leather into the dye solution, ensuring it is fully immersed. Use a basket or container large enough to hold the leather and dye.

2. Allow to Soak: Let the leather soak in the dye bath for 12–24 hours to achieve a deep, rich color. Gently stir the leather occasionally to ensure even dye penetration.

Step 5: Rinsing and Untying the Leather

1. Rinse the Leather: After soaking, remove the leather from the dye bath and rinse it thoroughly in cold water to remove excess dye and stop the chemical reaction.

2. Untie the Leather: Carefully cut the wax thread and untie the leather to reveal the dyed pattern.

Step 6: Drying the Leather

1. Air Dry the Leather: Hang the dyed leather in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or cracking.

2. Inspect the Leather: Once dry, inspect the leather for even dye distribution and ensure it is ready for the next stage of molding.

The differences analyzed on the following picture

Molding process

Asseembling bag