What is Natural Dyeing?
Natural Dyeing uses botanicals such as flowers, stems, leaves, wood, bark, roots, soil, mushrooms, food scraps, and even insects to dye textiles and other natural materials such as wood and paper.
Most of the botanicals that Katie uses in her dye practice are grown and foraged in and around Carbondale, CO. Katie harvests flowers and other dye stuff from her garden as well as from other flower gardens around town and local farms. She forages for leaves, bark, and berries around her neighborhood. She also sources items such as food scraps from local kitchens. Sometimes friends send her materials and other times she purchases dyestuff from dependable online sources.
How does it work?
This is an ancient craft that is practiced around the world, and everyone’s process is unique!
Many plant materials contain pigments that can be coaxed out and permanently bonded to natural fibers. Often, heat and moisture are required, although some plants prefer cooler temps to give up their colors. In the case of bundle dyeing, pressure is also needed.
The first step is always to wash the fibers really well in a process called scouring. After that comes mordanting which prepares the fibers to receive the dye pigments. Then the dye materials are gathered and readied for the dyeing process.
Can I do it, too?
Absolutely!
There is so much great information available online, in books, and in person. Here are some of Katie’s recs:
Online:
Books:
In Person:
Katie offers classes as well as Botanical Dye Kits! Classes are located in the Roaring Fork Valley, in and around Carbondale, CO. Dye Kits can be shipped anywhere in the US, contact Katie with any questions.
